With the EDFL junior bye this weekend, we thought we'd revisit the interleague carnival and catch up with the coaches of each side to review the carnival, and highlight some of the key moments and performers!
First up, the Under 13s.
UNDER 13 BOYS DIVISION 1
Coaches: Daniel Mangan, Dale Hough.
Both of our games were played in wet conditions, resulting in more contested football and limited scoring opportunities.
In the first game, we faced a very strong Western team. We started well and competed strongly, but unfortunately dropped away in the second half, finishing with an 18-point loss.
In the second game against Riddell, the boys again competed well and brought each other into the game. We finished strongly and came away with a hard fought two-point win.
For a group of boys who had never played together before, they showed great spirit and team camaraderie, which was fantastic to see.
Overall, we were pleased with the performance of our team and players. We saw some exceptional talent on display, with the boys following game structures, embracing different positional opportunities, and showing they have a bright future in the EDFL.
We would also like to give a special mention to Henry Reddan who was awarded EDFL player of the carnival.
MATCH 1
WFNL 6.10 (46) def. EDFL 4.4 (28)
GOALS: Tyson Clark, Lachlan Hatch, Lennox Sparks, Isaac Ward.
BEST: Lennox Sparks, Henry Reddan, Noah Khoshaba, Jed Kearon, Flynn Atkins, Cooper Paiti.
MATCH 2
EDFL 5.6 (36) def. RDFNL 5.4 (34)
GOALS: Thomas Colaidis, Noah Khoshaba, Parker Mangan, Max Simone, Chance Smiley.
BEST: Henry Reddan, Noah Khoshaba, Brady Massaro, Jed Kearon, Max Simone, Harper Stonehouse.
UNDER 13 GIRLS
Coaches: Simon Cheel, Matt Tremellen.
The EDFL team consisted of players from 13 clubs, indicating the spread of skill across the league, and provided the girls a wonderful opportunity to experience a higher standard of football.
The first game was a hard-fought contest against the WFNL. EDFL made a strong start in the heavy conditions, with goals from Ella Godfrey and Antonia Mijovski in the first quarter. The team continued to battle hard in the next few quarters and despite not being able to add another goal, remained four points up at three quarter time. After a valiant defensive effort by the EDFL for most of the final quarter, WFNL scored a goal after the siren to snatch a narrow four-point win.
Despite the disappointing finish against WFNL, the team responded brilliantly in the second match against the RDFNL. With renewed energy and a positive mindset, the girls delivered a consistent four-quarter performance, finishing with an impressive 86-point victory, with major goal scorers being Asha Hale (four) and Stephanie Clark (three).
It was a challenging day for the girls, playing back-to-back games in very cold and wet conditions. However, the girls displayed excellent resilience, worked well as a team and can be very proud of their efforts. The bonds formed over the program were clearly evident and will certainly benefit the girls in future EDFL opportunities.
A special congratulations to Lottie Morton, who was named the best EDFL player across the two matches.
MATCH 1
WFNL 3.5 (23) def. EDFL 2.7 (19)
GOALS: Ella Godfrey, Antonia Mijovski.
BEST: Lottie Morton, Stephanie Clark, Tessa Stevens, Tiffany Carbone, Josephine Jones, Ruby Withers.
MATCH 2
EDFL 13.9 (87) def. RDFNL 0.1 (1)
GOALS: Asha Hale 4, Stephanie Clark 3, Sara Muraya 2, Evelyn Angelucci, Jada Khodr, Alara McLeod, Molly Russell.
BEST: Asha Hale, Ruby Withers, Stephanie Clark, Lottie Morton, Josephine Jones, Sara Muraya.
UNDER 13 BOYS DIVISION 2
Coach: Rob Don.
We had a great experience with the interleague games.
All of the players were able to spend time in all areas of the ground. We rotated heavily to give all the players the opportunity to increase their skill set and understanding of the game.
The coaching group prioritises fun, development, and letting the players showcase their talents as per the EDFL goals and I feel this was very successful.
We started very well in the first game against the WFNL and ended up going down in a tight contest.
The second game against RDFNL really showcased our talent and we had a big win.
A successful day for all involved. Oakley Morgan from Rupertswood was named best player for the EDFL on the day.
MATCH 1
WFNL 7.7 (49) def. EDFL 6.6 (42)
GOALS: Asher Carson, Anthony De Fazio, Francisco Falili, Alexander Olle, James Russell, Nate Smith.
BEST: Oakley Morgan, Jaxson Alfonzetti, Alexander Olle, Benjamin Bonello, Lucas Smarrelli, Nate Smith.
MATCH 2
EDFL 11.17 (83) def. RDFNL 3.1 (19)
GOALS: Oakley Morgan 2, Ryder Aldridge, Jaxson Alfonzetti, Benjamin Bonello, Sullivan Clarke, Francisco Falili, Jasper Leliard, Alexander Olle, Lucas O'Neill, Reuben Russell.
BEST: Oakley Morgan, Asher Carson, Lucas Smarrelli, Jasper Leliard, Max Don, Ryder Aldridge.
