The 2012 under-13 interleague program was made up of two competitions. We saw the introduction of a round robin series played between the Northern Football League (NFL), Yarra Junior Football League (YJFL) and the South Metro Junior Football League (SMJFL), which was played over the long weekend of June 10, and the annual interleague games against the YJFL on July 8 which are the main focus of the program.
Many thanks to the commitment showed by the players, the parents in bringing the boys to training, the trainers, water boys, runners and coaching staff. Thanks also to Bundoora Park and Lower Plenty for allowing us to use their facilities for training.
ROUND ROBIN SUMMARY – JUNE 10 AT BULLEEN PARK
Whilst these games were a great opportunity to play some very good and well prepared opposition, the competition presented a great opportunity to look at our boys and trial many players in different positions. It was a great effort by all players and there was some terrific football played in front of a huge crowd at Bulleen Park. The NFL fielded two teams in this competition and all players performed well and definitely represented the league with great pride and enthusiasm. Each team awarded a medal for the best player of the series and the NFL medal winners were:
Division 1 – Ahmad Ahmad (Northcote)
Division 2 – Marc Daniele (South Morang)
UNDER-13 INTERLEAGUE GAME VS YJFL – JULY 8 AT BULLEEN PARK
The two games against the YJFL are the main focus of the interleague program. The NFL fields two teams for these games – a Division 1 team and a Division 2 team. On a perfect day for football, the NFL put up a great performance in winning the main game of the day – the under-13 Division 1 game – and putting in a terrific effort in the under-13 Division 2 game.
MATCH REPORT – UNDER-13 DIVISION 2
Final score: NFL 2.3.15 def by YJFL 7.8.50
Goal kickers: Matthew Perazzola, Oliver Stapleton
Best players: Lucas Soccio, Callum May, Sam Bevan-Shannon, Patrick Howe, Oliver Stapleton, Vince Montagnese, Mathew Perazzola
NFL award for best on ground: Lucas Soccio
The boys played with an improved intensity from our last hit out. Matthew Perazzola was hard at it all day and opened the game with the first goal of the match. Our smalls stood tall against the height of the YJFL boys and really made them work for their possessions. Patrick Howe had a solid game in the midfield and Callum May was also a handful for the Yarra boys. Oliver Stapleton kicked a goal in the last quarter and Lucas Soccio was named best afield for the NFL boys. The boys fought hard all day and the scoreboard did not reflect how close the game really was. Great effort boys and good luck with the rest of your season! Well done to Jack Gillespie on being awarded the captaincy.
MATCH REPORT – UNDER-13 DIVISION 1
Final score: NFL 6.10.46 def YJFL 6.6.42
NFL award for best on ground: Jack Petrucelle
Goal kickers: Jack Petrucelle 2, Anthony Fable, Mitchell Andrews, Dallyce Taylor, Ben Muscat
Best player: Jack Petrucelle, Michell Andrews, Nathan Viotto, Christian Pisano, Jermiah Murphy, Kyle McGaw, Jordan Wilkins, Martin Sin
In a game that was played in perfect conditions the skill level showed by both teams was outstanding. The game was close all day with neither team able to kick more than one goal in a row for the first three quarters. Our two ruckman, Joel Grace and James Way were terrific – particularly after quarter time and really did give us first use of the ball. The competition through the middle was fierce all day with Jake Perry, Martin Sin, Jack Petrucelle, Jordan Wilkins, Anthony Fable, Ben Muscat, Jake Sterry and Bill Hughes rotating through and providing plenty of drive. The backline was well led by our captain Nathan Viotto and very well supported by Jeremiah Murphy, Christian Pisano, Jack Fiztpatrick, Oliver Wilson, Lucas Northeast, Marc Danielle and in particular Kyle McGaw. The forwards presented well, in particular Mitchell Andrews, who dominated the game at centre half forward, Ryder Hobbs took some telling marks and Patrick Gardner, Ahmad and Dallyce Taylor ran hard all day. The game was in the balance at three-quarter time and a fantastic last quarter by Jack Pettrucelle and Kyle McGaw in the middle , Mitchell Andrews up forward and Nathan Viotto, Christian Pisano and Jeremiah Murphy in defence enable us to hang on and win by four points. A terrific win by the NFL boys against quality opposition.
