A review of the junior preliminary finals from the NFNL’S under-18 to under-15 competitions.
In the Own Journey Travel Under 18 Girls, Diamond Creek Women’sook out a 21-point win over Darebin to progress through to the grand final. Diamond Creek had four goal kickers, including Lauren Durante, Allanna Bassett, Hayley Ayton and Chelsy Corcoran. Gabby Cleeman was best on ground for the Falcons. Diamond Creek will take on Montmorency in the grand final at Crispe Park.
In the Under 17 Boys, Mill Park took an upset win over Montmorency at Lalor Reserve. Marcus Sindrivanis and Matt Volpe combined for four majors, while Joshua Mazzarella played an exceptional game. Daniel Mezzalira was awarded the best for the Pies, while Riley Coleman kicking two goals. Mill Park has progressed to the grand final from fourth place and will take on South Morang at Lalor Reserve in the decider.
In Under 16 Blue, Diamond Creek took a comfortable win over Eltham to fill the last spot in the grand final. The Creekers were great across all four quarters, led by a five-goal haul to Ben Major, while Cooper Barbera added three majors and Ewan Macpherson was great. Aiden Canik was best for the Panthers, while Daniel Owen and Thomas Allin both kicked two majors each. The Creekers will meet Laurimar at Wallan Recreational Reserve in the grand final.
In Under 16 Red, Montmorency took a big win over Yarrambat to secure a grand final spot. The Pies led by five points heading into the second half, before breaking away for a comfortable three-quarter time lead. Nikolas Cox and Liam Chilcott kicked three majors, with Cox named best afield for a superb four-quarter performance. Joshua Kirwen was awarded best for the Bats, while Konnar Adam and Bailey Sobol kicked two majors each. The win results in the Pies taking on Mernda at J.E Moore Park in the grand final.
In the Under 16 Girls Blue, West Preston-Lakeside recorded a 34-ppint win over Diamond Creek Women’s at Crispe Park. Abigail Bennett was outstanding, with Tallia Pulcino kicking two majors – the only player on the ground to kick multiple goals. The result means the Roosters will take on Montmorency at Crispe Park in the premiership decider.
In the Under 16 Girls Red, Eltham defeated minor premiers Boro Bolts in a nail-biting game with the difference being only one goal. Eltham’s Angelique Reibelt led all goal scorers with two majors, while Josephine Akuei played exceptionally well to get the Panthers over the line. Dayna Geddes and Olivia Thompson were the goal kickers for the Bolts, with a major each. The Panthers take Northcote in the grand final, with the match to be played at C.T Barling Reserve.
In the Under 15 Blue, Laurimar progressed to the grand final after beating Yarrambat. After a tight first quarter, Laurimar gradually took control of the game to score a 39-point win. Power trio Kaiden Arthur, Andre Lalongo and Harrison Mooney combined for three goals each, while Cameron Selvaggio was best afield. Eric Hatzsis performed best for the Bats, while Darcy Wilmot kicked two majors. Laurimar’s win pits them against South Morang for the premiership at Coventry Oval.
In the Under 15 Red, Diamond Creek won through to the grand final with a 39-point win over Mill Park, which was sealed with a strong second half. Andrew Elward was pivotal in getting the Creekers over the line, with four majors. Dashiell Anderson was also outstanding. Felix Robinson Croft was best on for the Stallions, while Gadier Ahmad booted two majors. Diamond Creek will take on Research at Lalor Reserve in the grand final.
