A look back over the grand finals action in the under-15 to under-18 junior competitions.
Darebin Falcons are the Under-18 Girls premiers after a comfortable grand final win over Diamond Creek Womens at C.T Barling Reserve. The Falcons held a one-point win after the first quarter, before kicking 6.10 (46) to Diamond Creek’s 0.1 (1) in the following three terms. Peppa Poultney was awarded best on ground for the Falcons after an impressive four quarter, which included a major. Teammate Stephanie Elarmaly led all goal kickers with two majors. Lauren Durante and Alyssa Bannan were Diamond Creek Women’s goal scorers.
Research recorded a 38-point win over Eltham at J.E Moore Park to become the Under-17 Boys premiers. The Searchers trailed by seven points at half time, before putting together an exceptional second half to reign supreme – kicking 7.10 (52) to the Panthers’ 1.1 (7) after half time. Nicolas Uzelac was awarded best on ground, while Joel Trudgeon who booted three majors. Jaryd Coen was best for the Panthers, while Lorne Waldron kicked two goals.
The Under-16 Boys Blue premiership went to Yarrambat after it had a big win over Greensborough at Crispe Park. Bat star Joel Fitzgerald had an outstanding game and booted eight goals in the 15.9 (99) to 7.2 (44) win, including four goals in the final term as his side ran away with the match. Angus Seivers was best on for the Boro, while teammates Liam Doherty and Jack Harper booted two majors each.
Bundoora Park Thunderbolts are the Under-16 Boys Red premiers after a comfortable win over Whittlesea at Coventry Oval. The Thunderbolts put together two-impressive-halves to secure the win. This was thanks to Daniel Gikovski, who was awarded best on ground for the Bolts. Jordan Barrett (3), Cooper Ward Davies (3) and Riley Cameron (2) all booted multiple goals. Harry Beattie was best for the Eagles booting a major, alongside Valentino Di Paolo and Brent Holmberg.
The Under-16 Girls Blue had Research become premiers after defeating Yarrambat in a hard-fought game at Crispe Park. The Searchers led by 14 points at half time, before kicking three unanswered goals after the main break. Tarrah Delgado was awarded best on ground and had a huge impact on the ball, which included kicking a major. Sheridan Blizzard, Felicity Carns, Olivia Bandera and Mia Klaic also booted goals.
Yarrambat reigned supreme as the Under-15 Boys Blue premiers as they defeated South Morang Blue at Redleap Reserve. Yarrambat carried on their regular season form and enhanced it with the help of Cooper Harvey who was named best on ground. Harvey’s performances included four majors. Mason Chapman and Kade Lawry also excelled for the Bats. Deacon Kalpakis was named best for the Lions, while teammates Daniel Lansfield and Luke Lovalvo booted two majors each.
The Under-15 Boys Red had Mernda crowned premiers after defeating Diamond Creek by 24 points in a high-scoring game at J.C Donath Reserve. The Demons led by no more than two-majors for the first three terms, before kicking 5.0 (30) to Diamond Creek’s 3.0 (18) in the final term to secure the win. Demon star Ralph Bamblett was best on ground, while Joel Harris who booted three majors. Jai Lighton was best for Diamond Creek, while Connor Pike and Brodie Watson kicked two goals each.
