A look back over the Round 13 action in the under-16 to under-18 junior competitions.
In the Own Journey Travel Under 18 Girls, the Darebin Falcons took a competitive six-point win over Diamond Creek Women’s to confirm their place in the finals. Ella Grant-Campbell was named best on ground for the Falcons, while Stephanie Elarmaly continued her impressive goal kicking with a match-high three goals.
First-placed Montmorency continued its successful campaign with a comfortable win over Research at A.E Cracknell Reserve. The trio of Georgia Thomson, Stefani Howe and Ebony Harris each booted two majors. Gemma Morganti and Kayla Stammers were awarded best for their respected teams.
Yarrambat scored an impressive win over Whittlesea at Yarrambat War Memorial Park. Taylah Selim Faux kicked four majors for the Bats, while Olivia Caputo had a strong four-quarter performance. Tiana Markey played exceptionally well for the Eagles.
Laurimar performed exceptionally well in a strong four-quarter performance to have a comfortable win over Wallan/Kilmore at Laurimar Reserve. Talia Vincent was pivotal with four majors, alongside Madelin Paisley who had a superb outing.
In the Under 17 competition, Mill Park defeated West Preston-Lakeside to retain fourth place on the ladder. Ayyaan Ali performing well over four quarters, while Matt Volpe booted four majors. Darcy Landewee was best for the Roosters.
Diamond Creek defeated Rangers at Eltham Central Park to remain in finals contention. The Creekers were down by 14 points at half time but booted eight goals to one in the second half. Ethan Taylor kicked six majors, while Jackson Elznik performing superbly. Benjamin Smith was best for Rangers.
South Morang scored a comfortable win against Whittlesea at Mill Park Lakes Reserve. The result put the Lions into first place on the ladder one week out from the finals. Josh Renehan played superb for the Lions, kicking four goals and finding plenty of the ball. Casey Nelson played exceptionally for the Eagles.
Montmorency had a crucial win over Greensborough at Anthony Beale Reserve. The result saw the Boro fall from first position to third. After a tight first half, the Magpies kicked away with eight second-half goals. Riley Coleman kicked five majors for the victors, while Jesse Thompson performed well. Jack Duncan was best for the Boro.
Mernda won its third game for the year by downing Kilmore/Wallan at Waterview Recreation Reserve. Jacob Russell and Callum Partridge were best on ground for their teams, while Riley Vincent, Jesse Guelfo, Victor Pittorino all kicked two majors for the Demons.
In the Under-16 Blue competition, Diamond Creek took a six-point win over Research at Coventry Oval to book a place in the finals. The margin was never more than one kick at the end of each quarter. Cooper Barbera, Jaspa Gook and Aaron Hay kicked two goals each for the Creeeker, with Ewan Macpherson a standout. Nicolas Uzelac performed best for the Searchers and booted a game-high three goals.
West Preston-Lakeside and Eltham played out the competition’s first draw at J.E Moore Park. Lukas Moris from the Roosters and Jaden Collins from the Panthers both kicked four goals each in the 11.4 (70) to 10.10 (70) result. Jai Murtagh and Declan Ayres were awarded best on ground for their sides.
Eltham’s draw enabled Laurimar to move to the top of the ladder with a win over Mill Park at Laurimar Reserve. The Power trailed at quarter time but kicked 10 goals to three thereafter. Anthony O’Sullivan performed best with a strong four-quarter outing. He also kicked two majors, along with Dylan Grattan and Ned Welsh. Jake Nikolov was great for the Stallions.
In the Under-16 Red competition, Greensborough took a close seven-point win over South Morang at Anthony Beale Reserve. Trailing by nine points heading into the fourth term, the Boro kicked three goals to one to win a thriller. Blake Trimby excelled for the Boro, while Toby Brown and Jacob Bowden kicked two majors each. Alexander Aleksovski was outstanding for the Lions and snared three goals.
Mernda bounced back from its Round 12 loss by beating Kilmore at Waterview Recreation Reserve. Riley Kennedy and Connor Miller were among Mernda’s best players and each kicked two goals, along with Christopher Avramopoulos. Joshua Eyre performed exceptionally well for Kilmore, who remains third on the ladder.
Montmorency scored an important eight-point win over Yarrambat at Montmorency Park to remain in the finals hunt heading into the last round. The game was close through all the way through, with the final margin the biggest at the end of any quarter. Liam Chilcott kicked three majors for the Pies and Max Hughes performed best. Zac McCormack was best for the Bats.
In the Under 16-Girls Blue competition, Diamond Creek locked in a top-two finish with a 17-point win over Research at A.E Cracknell Reserve. Imogen Hammond was best on ground for the Creekers and capped her performance with a goal. Holly Cunningham was best for the Searchers.
South Morang moved in to fourth place after a three-point win over Yarrambat at Yarrambat War Memorial Park. The Lions were nine points adrift heading into the fourth but booted two unanswered goals to get the win. Guilia Ceravolo was a crucial part of this win, playing exceptionally well. Taylah Agosta was best on ground for the Bats.
Top of the ladder Montmorency added its tenth win of the year by defeating Kilmore at Montmorency Park. Marlo Gardam proved pivotal after kicking two majors, while Taylah Harris was also influential. Kilmore was well served by Eliza Woodley.
In the Under 16 Girls Red competition, Northcote scored an important 14-point win over Darebin at A.H Capp Reserve. Ellouise Bishop was named best for Northcote, along with Sophie Goffin. Tjala Rowlands never stopped trying for the Falcons.
Panton Hill finished strongly in its win against Diamond Creek Women’s at Plenty Park Oval, booting five unanswered goals in the last quarter. Monique Ramsay starred with three majors, while Elee Newman also kicked three. Isabelle Kelly was best on ground for the Creekers.
Boro Bolts continued their impressive season and scored their 11th win by beating Hurstbridge at Bundoora Park Oval. Olivia Thomson kicked four of her side’s nine majors. Sarah Black was a standout for Hurstbridge.
Eltham held out a fast-finishing Wallan by 13 points at Wallan Recreational Reserve. The Panthers’ Tanaya Boyne kicked three majors, while Charlotte Jones performed superbly throughout the match. Paige Thompson was named best for Wallan, while Jade Withoos’ three goal performance was also a highlight.
