A look back over the semi finals action in the under-16 to under-18 junior competitions.
Darebin secured the first spot for the Under-18 Girls grand final after an impressive 29-point win against Montmorency at Ben Frilay Oval. The Falcons took their regular season form and enhanced it to give themselves a week off before the premiership decider. Peppa Poultney had an exceptional game, while teammates Stephanie Elarmaly (3) and Jaydah Hope (2) kicked multiple goals. Bianca Keogh and Jemma Laffey booted a major each for Montmorency.
Diamond Creek Women’s will meet the Magpies in the preliminary final after a hard-fought six-point win over Research in the first semi final at J.J Clancy Reserve. The scores were tied at 8 apiece before the Creekers kicked a goal in the final term through Lauren Durante. Charlotte Bradstreet was the Creekers’ other goal scorer on the day. Indiana Murphy was Research’s best, while Milla Fereday kicked their only major.
Research is through to the Under-17 grand final after a 33-point win over Eltham at Coventry Oval. The Searchers led by 10 points at half time, before kicking away in the second half. Mitchell Skipper was superb, while teammates Nicholas Uzelac, Anthony Mrmacovski, Mackenzie Hogg and Joshua Yoannidis each kicked two goals. Declan Ayres was best for the Panthers, while Harrison Middleton led all goal-scorers with four.
Kilmore is one game closer to the grand-final after a closely-contested eight-point win over Diamond Creek at Crispe Park. The Blues led by three points at the start of the fourth term before kicking 2.0 (12) to Diamond Creek’s 1.1 (7) in the final term. Ethan Derrick had an outstanding game for the victors, while Kye Maher booted two majors. Riley Kennedy was Diamond Creek’s best, while Jaspa Gook kicked two goals.
Yarrambat cemented its spot in the Under-16 Blue big dance with a 33-point victory over Greensborough at A.K Lines Reserve. Cooper Scott had an exceptional game for the Bats and kicked three majors, while teammate Jordan Hare booted two. Angus Seivers was best for the Boro and booted two of his side’s four goals.
Laurimar will meet Greensborough in the preliminary final after a thrilling three-point win over Montmorency at J.J Clancy Reserve. The action was close all day and the Power managed to have their noses in front when the final siren sounded. Despite his side bowing out of the finals race Fletcher Parkinson was great for the Magpies, while Lawrence Galgano and Brodie Jones booted two majors each.
The Under-16 Red second semi final saw Whittlesea remain in top-form, taking the first place in the grand final with a 24-point win over Kilmore at Wallan Recreational Reserve. Four points separated the two teams at half time before the Eagles kicked 4.4 to 1.2 in the second half. William Blythe was exceptional for the Eagles, while Harry Beattie booted a game-high four majors. Jamie Burrows was best for Kilmore, while Dayne Middleton booted three of his team’s four majors.
Bundoora Park was triumphant in the first semi final, securing a 12-point win over Research at Lalor Reserve. The Thunderbolts made a fast start and led by three goals at quarter time, before holding an advantage all day. William O’Brien and Antony Jolevski were instrumental in the win, while Patrick Dozzi and Sebastian Lay gave their all for the Searchers.
Research is the first team to make the Under-16 Girls Blue grand final after a come-from-behind win against Yarrambat at Redleap Reserve. Yarrambat led by a goal at half time before the Searchers kicked 4.3 (27) to the Bats 1.4 (10) in the second half. Searcher duo Tarrah Delgado and Monique Ramsay excelled to help their side book its grand final spot. Maddison Flinn was best for the Bats.
Diamond Creek Women’s Red heads to the preliminary final after a hard-fought three-point win over Montmorency at J.J Clancy Reserve. The Creekers trailed by four points at three quarter time but kicked the only goal of the last term to secure the win. Poppy Strickland and Olivia Garner booted a major each for the Creekers, while April Woodward was best for the Magpies.
The Under-16 Girls Red competition has its first grand finalist, with Eltham having a 19-point win over Whittlesea at Anthony Beale Reserve. The Panthers kept the Eagles to one point and woll look to bring that defensive pressure into the grand final. Josephine Akuie was exceptional for Eltham, while Remi Strickland booted two majors. Measham Cameron and Keeley Caldow played best for Whittlesea.
Diamond Creek Women’s Blue had a thrilling one-point win over Darebin to make the preliminary final. The Creekers put together an outstanding second half after trailing by 22 ponts at half time. They kicked 5.5 to 2.0 in the second half to secure the memorable win. Emily Shears was best on ground afield for the Creekers, while teammates Leah Jones kicked three goals. Tahlee Thompson was best for the Falcons, while Luisa Mure booted three majors.
