U16s
The U16s opened with a 29 point win over East Gippsland-Omeo FL but was outclassed in its next two games by two very competent leagues. Firstly by Gippsland FL, the eventual winners by 56 points and then by West Gippsland to the tune of 64 points. Not to be deterred in its final game the U16s finished strongly beating Mid Gippsland FL by 32 points.
Across all four matches Captain Ryan Knight (Poowong) worked hard and made his presence and received good midfield support from Brendan Wall (Buln Buln), who gathered plenty of effective disposals and kicked two first quarter goals in the opening game. Ryan Atherton (Ellinbank), did well around the packs, Bryce Joyce (Ellinbank) showed good skills and Alex Henshall (Poowong) drove hard at the ball and found a fait bit of it. Key defender Matthew Dare (Ellinbank) repelled many attacks and Byron Parton (Longwarry), plenty of run and carry. Tom Crole (Neerim South & 6 goals) presented well up forward and Vice-Captain Daly Taylor (Neerim South) always very busy. Gaige and Paisarn White (Buln Buln) made quite a few important contributions and Sam Willemsen (Lang Lang) performed well and was terrific in defence in the final game.
U18s
The U18 gave it their all and with a little luck could have won two if not all three games. It opened well against the West Gippsland and if not for five behinds when it dominated the first half it should have entered the main break with a good lead rather than a two point deficit. Thereafter West Gippsland lifted and made the most of their opportunities and ran out 25 point winners.
In their second match the U18s pushed Gippsland to the final minutes in a 10 point loss and in their final match finished well to beat North Gippsland by 41 points.
Firstly congratulations to Poowong’s Jai Newcombe who was awarded the U18 player of the carnival trophy. Jai was outstanding in all three games through the middle and when he worked forward.
He received great support every game from Magpie team mates Matthew Burr and Hayden Wallis and Jaryd Kelly (Bulb Buln). Ruckman Adam Adamiak (Longwarry) was a regular source of strength and fellow tall Billy Bundle (Buln Buln & 5 goals) proved a good forward target. In a very good team effort across all three games, wingman Josh White (Neerim South) along with Ben Lineham (Nyora), Chris Robertson-Edgar (Neerim South) and Lucas Maffei (Ellinbank) all made significant contributions many times.
The EDFL would like to thank both U16 coach Chris Morse & U18 coach Mort Diston for their commitment. It would also like thank all the assistant staff, trainers, volunteers and parents for their support towards our team’s efforts.
Last Modified on 04/07/2019 00:49
