With EDFL junior footy returning 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!
Next up, the Under 14s.
UNDER 14 BOYS DIVISION 1
Coach: Nathan Taylor
Firstly, I’d like to thank the assistant coaches Andrew Ball, Jay Smiley, and Daniel McLean for their time and efforts during the rep program. The boys were lucky to have three great coaches from different clubs with different ideas and voices contributing to each training session and game day. Amazing effort guys, thank you, and congratulations on a successful carnival. I would also like to thank Cole Harvey (EDFL Coaching Director) and Patrick Moloney (EDFL Junior Football Operations Manager) for their continued support throughout the program, Bree and Kelly for the Team Manager duties, Ray – Trainer, and for all the other parents who filled roles across the three games. Without you it’s not possible to run the carnival. Thank you.
It was a great experience to coach this group of young men, even though I know most of them through coaching against them or being involved last year with the 13s program. To see them come together in such a short amount of time, listen, learn along the way, adapt, play out of their comfort zones and buy in on a game plan that we put in place was exceptional and I am proud of every single one of them. The talent in this squad is exceptional and to win all three games quite comfortably against strong opposition shows exactly what this group can do. I look forward to watching and hopefully coaching them again in the future.
Game one, we took on a strong NFNL team. The boys started well and I thought we controlled the game for most of the contest. Our pressure on the ball carrier and around the contest was huge and we forced Northern to make errors under pressure and stopped their run and carry. On the other hand, I felt that our link up across half back and through the middle was exceptional and our run and carry gave our forwards time to get to space and convert goals. James Mastropasqua was huge for us up forward taking home the best on ground medal. His work rate and willingness to give us a lead up target was exceptional and he would have taken 12 marks. Diesel Fletcher was a wall down back and nothing got past him, James Compagnino and Leo Amato worked hard up forward kicking two goals each and played a big role getting to the talls' feet. Landon White presented well providing a target. Aidan Lowe ran up and down the wing all night and used his leg speed to provide an outlet. Will Young and Jake Bajinskis worked tirelessly through the middle all night and had solid games providing plenty of drive. Harvey Ball was huge in the ruck and forward giving our mids first use and taking marks all around the ground.
It was great to get the first game out the way and get the win by 21 points. A really solid team effort and everyone played their roles.
Game two and we took on RDFNL up at Romsey. Again, the boys started well and we controlled the game for four quarters. Our ball movement was slick and we defended well. Our mids controlled the game at the contest and spread hard once we won the ball. The theme for the day was 'play your role for the team' and I thought that we did that well and played for the team and not the individual, which was pleasing. Xavier Walsh starred through the middle and was awarded the best on ground medal for his solid four-quarter performance. Jake Bajinskis kicked five from centre half forward and was dominant in the air. Tom Pitt kicked three and was a handful in the air and on the ground. Bodhi Taylor was dangerous around the forward line kicking a goal and setting up a handful for teammates. Jordan Lewis kicked two goals and looked dangerous around the 50 arc. Dash Minton and Bailey Freeth were in and under all day through the midfield. Harrison Summers gave us plenty of drive from the wing, while Aston Paino provided plenty of run off half back.
By the end of the day we had won by 98 points, another solid effort from the boys.
Game three we took on WFNL in wet and slippery conditions. Again we got off to a strong start (which was a feature of our three games) kicking 3.4 and keeping them scoreless, setting the tone for the day. The conditions weren’t pretty, but we played some great football, moving the ball well linking up with handball and overlap run. Our mids went to work and won the ball at the source and forced it forward all day. Our forwards presented well and locked the ball into the forward 50 with great pressure. The backs were solid and repelled most of their entries. It was a really strong, even team performance from everyone. Jake Bajinskis was awarded the best on ground medal. He didn’t stop all day through the midfield and was everywhere. Will Young played well through the middle and hurt them with his ball use. Kai Laidler loved the conditions and was a handful up fwd. Riley Verrall contested hard up forward and put his body on the line multiple times. Max Thorneycroft swept up across half back while Noah Wing, Lincoln Downs, and Harvey Bishop all played pivotal roles down back with their rebounding and run.
After a dominant four quarters we had come out on top by 47 points. A great result in the conditions, the boys were really hungry today.
By the end of the series it was pleasing to see the connection of the playing group both on and off the field. It was great to see the friendships that they had made with boys from other clubs, and you know what, that’s what its all about. Having fun, meeting new people, and making new friends.
Really proud of the group for their commitment over the six to eight weeks that we were together, everything we asked of them they did. I had a ball with this group of players and coaches, hopefully we get to do it again in 2026.
MATCH 1
EDFL 9.10 (64) def. NFNL 6.7 (43)
GOALS: Leo Amato 2, James Compagnino 2, Jake Bajinskis, Harvey Ball, Bailey Freeth, James Mastropasqua, Riley Verrall.
BEST: James Mastropasqua, Diesel Fletcher, James Compagnino, William Young, Jake Bajinskis, Harvey Ball.
MATCH 2
RDFNL 1.3 (9) def. by EDFL 16.11 (107)
GOALS: Jake Bajinskis 5, Thomas Pitt 3, Jordan Lewis 2, Harvey Bishop, Bailey Freeth, Dash Minton, Harrison Summers, Bodhi Taylor, Max Thorneycroft.
BEST: Xavier Walsh, Jake Bajinskis, Dash Minton, Bailey Freeth, William Young, Bodhi Taylor.
MATCH 3
WFNL 4.2 (26) def. by EDFL 11.7 (73)
GOALS: James Compagnino 2, William Young 2, Leo Amato, Jake Bajinskis, Bailey Freeth, Kai Laidler, Dash Minton, Xavier Walsh, Landon White.
BEST: Jake Bajinskis, William Young, Jordan Lewis, Max Thorneycroft, Kai Laidler, Riley Verrall.
UNDER 14 GIRLS DIVISION 1
Coach: Callan Tenabel
The EDFL Under 14 Girls Team 1, were placed in Division 1 playing against notoriously strong competition in the Eastern FNL, Frankston & Districts FL, and Western FNL. In a first for this age group, the EDFL managed to win all three of their games showing the depth of our league.
On the first Wednesday night game, the girls played against cross town rivals Western FNL. The team was well prepared for the cold and slippery night game winning the ground balls and taking the game on through the corridor. Our team was far too clean for the WFNL winning by 11 goals and keeping the WFNL to one scoring shot for the night. Ruby Evans (Aberfeldie) and Makayla Macri (Avondale Heights) were both strong in the contest and clean winning ground ball. Best on ground was Holly Sutton (Greenvale) who used her dash on the outside of the contest finishing with slick skills bringing her teammates into the game.
Game two was another wet game played in windy conditions in Chelsea against Frankston & Districts FL. The first quarter has EDFL kicking against the strong wind. The girls' tackle pressure was outstanding holding the opposition to no score while we managed to show run and carry to sneak a goal against the wind. From the second quarter, the EDFL girls showed too much class holding the opposition to just one goal for the game while kicking nine ourselves. Chloe Milner (Maribyrnong) was best on ground kicking three goals, while Mikayla Allen (Deer Park) was invaluable on the last line stopping multiple goals.
The final game was again in wet and windy conditions in Mitcham against the highly rated Easten FNL. Eastern started with the wind and got the jump kicking three goals in the first 10 minutes of the game. To the credit of the EDFL girls, they switched on their tackle pressure and worked themselves back into the game finishing with the late goal. From that point the game was a thriller. EDFL managed to lead by a point at half time with scores even at three quarter time. Milla Villani (Keilor) was exceptional in the ruck against a taller opposition and Charlotte Taylor (Ascot Vale) was a rock across half back. Despite a gallant fight by Eastern FNL, the EDFL girls ran away with a four-point win. Best on ground was Jasmine Spring-Brown (Essendon Doutta Stars) who showed her toughness in clearance to win the ball and drive the game forward in wet, slippery conditions.
MATCH 1
EDFL 10.12 (72) def. WFNL 1.0 (6)
GOALS: Holly Sutton 2, Octavia Amy, Tiana Efron, Makayla Macri, Chloe Milner, Taliah Pistikakis, Mackenzie Sheridan, Jasmine Spring-Brown, Lucy Walkom.
BEST: Holly Sutton, Chloe Milner, Jasmine Spring-Brown, Taliah Pistikakis, Lucy Walkom, Makayla Macri.
MATCH 2
F&DJFL 1.5 (11) def. by EDFL 9.8 (62)
GOALS: Chloe Milner 3, Taliah Pistikakis 2, Isabella Chiera, Makayla Macri, Olivia Rainey, Milla Villani.
BEST: Chloe Milner, Ruby Evans, Jasmine Spring-Brown, Holly Sutton, Taliah Pistikakis, Mikayla Allen.
MATCH 3
EFNL 5.6 (36) def. by EDFL 6.4 (40)
GOALS: Octavia Amy 2, Tiana Efron, Taliah Pistikakis, Jasmine Spring-Brown, Holly Sutton.
BEST: Jasmine Spring-Brown, Milla Villani, Taliah Pistikakis, Charlotte Taylor, Ruby Evans, Octavia Amy.
UNDER 14 BOYS DIVISION 2
Coach: Damien Gillman
On Monday, April 7, our squad convened at Tullamarine for the inaugural training session of the EDFL Under 14 Interleague Carnival. From an initial group of 84 aspirants, we selected 24 players— representing 17 EDFL clubs — to form a competitive and cohesive unit.
Our first game was played at Sewell Reserve on the Wednesday night. This was a game of two halves. In the first half, our boys looked a bit out of their depth and a little bit starstruck, we had spoken about this before the game, and how this would be a step up from local club footy. Northern played a great brand of football. At half time we spoke about where we wanted to be as a team with our motto for the carnival of 'be your best'. The boys came out after half time a completely different team than the one in the first half, they moved the ball well and linked up across the ground, and we were able to show why they were selected to play in this team. We started to get on top and put some pressure on Northern, unfortunately the score line didn’t go away as we gave them too great a lead in the first half. We had some fantastic players who played really well with our medal winner Thomas Te Paa from Taylors Lakes.
Our second game saw us head up to Romsey Park with a 10am start and the temperature at a chilly three degrees to start the game. Before the game we spoke about our previous game and how we wanted to keep our momentum from the second half. The boys came out strong playing the same way we did against Northern in the second half. They switched the ball each side of the ground, changing lanes, denying Riddell the ball. We were able to kick 16 goals with 11 different goal kickers and dominate the game. Caleb Cheshire from Airport West was our medal winner for best on ground playing a great game in the ruck, centre half back, and centre half forward.
Our final game on the King‘s birthday Monday, saw us head to Spotswood where we played WFNL. After rain throughout the morning and the day before, and a girl’s game being played on the ground before us, the ground was pretty chopped up. Before the game we spoke to the boys saying that we only needed to kick five or six goals, and that should be enough to get us over the line in these conditions. Building on from our second half against Northern and our big win against Riddell, we took a lot of confidence into this game. While watching the warmup and seeing Western tiptoe around the puddles on the ground, our boys found the muddiest part of the ground and did there warm up there showing that they were not scared to roll their sleeves up and get dirty! This proved a big difference during the game with their commitment over the ball and in trying conditions, being able to keep surging the football forward and being rewarded by kicking eight goals and keeping Western to only four. Liam Murray from Rupertswood loved the conditions and won our best on ground medal.
I extend my sincere gratitude to the Essendon District Football League and to Patrick for appointing me as coach. My thanks also go to:
- Assistant Coaches: Phil, Marcus, Corey
- Runner: Luke
- First Aid Officer: Sean
- Rotations Coordinator: Matilda
- U14 Div 1 Coaching Team: Nathan and staff
Special recognition to our parent and volunteer support team:
- Kim: Timekeeping
- Mirvet: Team Manager
- Ahmed: Umpire Escort
- Richard & Stephen: Water Carriers
And to all parents for transporting players and providing unwavering support.
To our players: you began cautiously but closed with conviction. You embodied the qualities of resilience, teamwork, and pride in representing your clubs and the EDFL. Wishing you every success for the remainder of your club season—especially those fortunate enough to contest finals.
Be your best.
MATCH 1
EDFL 4.5 (29) def. by NFNL 13.10 (88)
GOALS: Samuel Dean 2, Xavier Raddon, Thomas Te Paa.
BEST: Thomas Te Paa, Zane Arabi, Liam Murray, Samuel Dean, Caleb Cheshire, Ryan Abraham.
MATCH 2
RDFNL 0.1 (1) def. by EDFL 16.15 (111)
GOALS: Noah Calvi 3, Xavier Raddon 3, Liam Jeffery 2, Ryan Abraham, Declan Carroll, Caleb Cheshire, Matthew Famulari, Liam Kinniburgh, Jasper McPhail, Liam Murray, Samuel Thorpe.
BEST: Caleb Cheshire, Liam Murray, Liam Jeffery, Jasper McPhail, Ibrahim Moustafa, Ayman Wahby.
MATCH 3
WFNL 4.7 (31) def. by EDFL 8.12 (60)
GOALS: Jasper McPhail 2, Samuel Dean, Matthew Famulari, Liam Jeffery, Christian Loverso, Xavier Raddon, Thomas Te Paa.
BEST: Liam Murray, Kaelan Hegarty, Zane Arabi, Christian Loverso, Zac Frangoulis, David Antonello.
UNDER 14 GIRLS DIVISION 2
Coach: Heath Mahoney
Our 2025 Interleague carnival saw the EDFL 2024 Under 13s representative girls team expand from one to two teams. As such, the squad was expanded with over 60 girls invited to train and the program expanding out to eight weeks of training at Jacana Recreation Reserve.
Callan Tenabel, Heath Mahoney, Aydin Gulmen, Joe Molluso, and Keely Skepper under the guidance of Coaching Coordinator Chris Tankard set about structuring a program to promote understanding among the players of a style of football consistent with EDFL values.
The standard was very high and all girls should be congratulated on their output at training. Two teams were selected and the Division Two team set about preparing for game one.
Our first hit out was a formidable one against Yarra Juniors as for the vast majority of our team, this was their first taste of representative football. On a cold night at Monk Oval, the team started the carnival slowly with Yarra scoring five goals. Quarter time allowed our girls to settle and get into a rhythm matching Yarra's intensity throughout the second term with a goal from Lily Reivers. After quarter time there was a much more even contribution from the team with some of the training principles and game style starting to show in general play, but in the end, Yarra was far too good. Sienna Hemley was awarded best on ground for her efforts in the middle.
Game two saw a much improved effort collectively from the team. The training session during the week concentrated on structure and ensuring all players were confident enough to take the game on and attempt to execute the desired game plan. In patches, skills were clean, ball movement was fantastic and our spread from contest meant that we were more than competitive. Having the wind in the second, Isabella Volpi goaled early to get us back to eight points down, but a few lapses in concentration and miscommunication allowed Frankston to score two goals into the wind. The second half was a tight and even affair with the EDFL having the control of general play, but just unable to make it count on the scoreboard. Not capitalising with the wind was the difference between the two teams in the end. Mia Fraser was awarded best on ground with a consistent four-quarter effort.
Our last game was against the typically strong South Metro Junior Football League and if their previous 2025 results were any indication, they were strong yet again. On a bitterly cold and biblically wet Kings Birthday Monday; Endeavor, Intent and repeated efforts were non negotiable.
Southern started strong goaling early. The EDFL then settled well and set about knuckling down through process and intent at the football taking control back around stoppage and getting an equaliser through Lucy Villalobos. The second and third quarters were a grueling dogfight with both teams going hard at each other with all EDFL players adhering to the pre-game non negotiables and refusing to let their team-mates down. Into the last and only five points down, our girls put the ball immediately into attack. Sensing danger, SMJFL put extra players behind the ball and quelled repeated efforts on the last line of defence. With 60 seconds to go our EDFL girls were only four points down and giving everything in all out attack. But through no lack of effort from the team, SMJFL came out 10-point victors with a goal on the siren. Leading from the front and awarded best on ground was Lucy Villalobos.
Thankyou to the players for their efforts, they should all be very proud. Thankyou to all those that helped out as volunteers throughout the carnival.
MATCH 1
EDFL 1.0 (6) def. by YJFL 11.18 (84)
GOALS: Lily Reivers.
BEST: Sienna Hemley, Maeve McIldowney, Mia Fraser, Mackenzie Felmingham, Isabella Volpi, Madison Gilcrist.
MATCH 2
F&DJFL 4.4 (28) def. EDFL 1.3 (9)
GOALS: Isabella Volpi.
BEST: Mia Fraser, Lucy Villalobos, Willow Lysaught, Eliza Grech, Violet Henry, Brianna Comer.
MATCH 3
EDFL 1.1 (7) def. by SMJFL 2.5 (17)
GOALS: Lucy Villalobos.
BEST: Lucy Villalobos, Willow Lysaught, Mia Fraser, Sienna Hemley, Laila D’Amico, Gemma Mahoney.
