The Mitcham Junior Football Club had six teams competing in Round 1 action on the weekend. The club has worked extremely hard over the summer to make it an exciting place to be involved with. After the previous weekends practice matches and jumper presentation for the under 9’s and 10’s, followed up by last Friday nights jumper presentation for the older age groups, it certainly has been exciting. A big thank-you to everyone for their support, and in particular in buying the kids the new training jumpers. It is going to be great to see all the teams out training in a sea of yellow and black on training nights.
The Under 9’s started their season by travelling down to Mooroolbark. Here are a few words from the Coach, Carlo Fanfulla: “Firstly I would like to thank everyone involved for being on time at Kiloran Park, Mooroolbark. The weather was perfect for our kids to play fantastic football. I’m very proud of every member of the team, particularly how well they have bonded together in such a short time. The Mooroolbark team were really good side who have already had one years experience playing together so it was a tough introduction to football for our boys but I could not have asked for more. Our boys took some fantastic marks around the ground and at time our fitness was tested playing the game on the whole full size football ground. To their credit, our boys did not disappoint and continued to run the game out to the end. There were a few injuries during play but the kids where determined to stay on the ground and continue playing. Well-done boys! TIGER TOUGH. STRONG AND PROUD!”
The Under 10’s played at home against a sharp Mooroolbark outfit. Here is what Coach Jason Philacides had to say. “What a fantastic day for footy today, great weather and a terrific display of footy! Even though we were beaten on the scoreboard we showed we could play an open style of footy by getting the ball out into space. When we controlled possession of the footy we moved the ball fast and effectively and they struggled to keep up. Our tackling was very good, especially Daniel Newnham who made a number of tackles from behind and he was rewarded quite a few free kicks. It was also good to see that what we are practicing at training is definitely coming out in the games with the boys looking for a teammate to handball to when they were being tackled. Well done to Mac Treeby and Jamie Blanchard for captaining the team. I thought it was a great team effort and our better players today were, Daniel Newnham, Daniel Trinder, Nathan Philactides and Jamie Blanchard.”
The Under 11’s started their season off by playing Heathmont at home. After getting off to a good start, the Tigers held a 4 goal lead at half time. It was clear that the Balvic Under 11’s had really come to play. Then, setting up and converting early scoring opportunities within the first few minutes of the 3rd and 4th quarters set the tone that these tigers had the game under control. This is a group of players who work as a team. Our captain Jamie lead the goal kicking with 3, backed up by singles to Christian Sebafundi, Sam Agius, Lachlan Callander, Cal Pietersen, Tommy Rumble, Eathan Miller and Callum Mead. Round one success was made possible from total teamwork. The goal assists came from all players on the ground. Sam Balman in defence kept sending the ball back to the forward line, whilst Joel Michaelson was busy all morning. Cal’s speed and Patrick Cotter getting in front also contributed strongly. Congratulations to 1st gamer Blake McDonough for providing a positive impact, which we look forward to seeing more of as the season continues. All players can be proud of a fantastic start to the season. Everyone really put in an honest effort, and achieved a big goal – having FUN.
Final Score: Mitcham 11–5-71 d Heathmont 2–0-12
The Under 12’s traveled to Scoresby to take on an old opponent. Here is what Coach Marcus Webb had to say. “The Final result was similar to last seasons game but it was a three goal improvement from our boys which was a positive. It was good to welcome Danny back to the team after missing the practice matches. We were met by a beautiful sunny sky and a firm ground, ensuring that the ball moved quickly creating a very fast paced game. The first quarter was very good with the boys on their game from the first bounce & getting their heads over the ball and tackling hard when they had to. Unfortunately we were not able to take full advantage of the number of times we got the ball into our forward half. Most of the damage was done in the second quarter when Scoresby got to use the slight breeze and we conceded 4 goals. The third and fourth quarters were much more competitive but we just couldn’t make the inroads needed on the scoreboard. The teams best moments were really good - when the boys ran in support of each other moving the ball by hand and foot to deliver to their team mates who’d made space. Callum’s attack on the footy was great all game and Josh made some good strong plays in the backline. Lincoln, Ryan and Nicholas also did some neat things in defense. Luke B was very good, Max and Corey had some good long runs from the back half and Bailey delivered well after a long run up forward for Nicholas to goal. Emi & Harry also contested tirelessly around the ground. Ultimately though, we needed a few more of those “best moments” along with being a bit more efficient with our disposal after we had done the hard work to win the ball. We look forward to working on these things at training this week and to show more improvement in round 2.
Final Score: Scoresby 8-8-56 d Mitcham 3-2-20
The Under 14’s took on an undermanned Scoresby outfit at home. Here is what Coach Cam Chivers had to say on the game: “It was great to get round one out of the way after a long pre season of planning and preparation. The boys were eager to take the field and didn't disappoint from the opening bounce pouring on 11 goals in the first quarter and continuing the trend for the rest of the match. We didn't get the fierce competitive battle we were after but was pleasing to come away with the points. We are looking to continue on with a big win down at Montrose next Sunday.”
Final Score: Mitcham 37-16-238 d Scoresby 1-3-9
The Under 17’s took on Glen Waverley Rovers at home. Coach Gavin Ward had this to say: “After a long hard pre season, a win and a loss in their two practice matches the under 17s took on an unknown Glen Waverley Rovers at home on a warm sunny afternoon at the MCG of the East - Walker Park. While GWR only had the bare minimum 18 they were quite plucky and never gave up. Although the scoreboard blew out a little in the end it wasn’t really indicative of the competitiveness of the contest, with the Mitcham coaching staff very happy with the way the boys went about it. However time stands still for NO BODY and the under 17s move on very quickly with an opportunity to enjoy each other’s company again on Monday night 7th April at The Consider the Risk Presentation - A free event for ALL family and friends of the MJFC. Lets all get along and support the club and each other in what will be a great night and an opportunity to rub shoulders with a former star of the AFL”
Final Score: Mitcham 18-17-125 d GW Rovers 3-5-23
A big thank you to Bec Clark for the attached photos from the Under 14 game!
Last Modified on 04/12/2019 12:28