Ahead of another round of junior footy, 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!
Finally, the Under 13s.
UNDER 13 BOYS DIVISION 1
Coaches: Dale Hough
Damien and myself would like to take the opportunity to thank the league, in particular Patrick and Cole along with parents and players for the privilege of coaching the under 13s for season 2026. Working with Damien, Rob, Dan, and Matt was a pleasure this year all having extensive football knowledge and with all five of us having input to the structure at training allowed us to have differing training drills along with techniques giving the players an enjoyable experience.
With an approximate number of 85 players in under 13s across the teams to select from, it was a difficult task considering the talent pool ran so deep. Having five coaches across both teams allowed us to all have input into the selection criteria to select team A and B – both very strong sides.
The tournament started well for our team keeping RDFNL to a scoreless game with all boys showing talents as we rolled each player through all lines on the field. It was a dominant performance by all players, with our ability to score at will giving the boys a good opportunity to settle their nerves as this is their introduction to interleague football, as a bond between once opposition players now became teammates.
The second game of the day was against the WFNL and we were able to assess from the prior match that they were going to be a bigger task. Although we had control of the game from after quarter time, we could not break free on the scoreboard with our third quarter missing five set shots, which would have set up the game leading into the last quarter.
With a last quarter comeback from the WFNL, the game went down to the wire with the feeling on and off the field of like it was a grand final, as we ran away two-point winners in the end.
The perpetual shield for the tournament returned back to the EDFL after it had been in the hands of the WFNL for a few years prior. Congratulations to all the boys selected and thank you for the assistance and support supplied by the parents and the league itself.
As coaches, we made it our objective to group the players into four groups of six so that every player would get the same experience, that being playing forward, mid, and back as well as a quarter on the bench so all players were able to express their talents in all positions, we continued with this through both games in each quarter so all boys had the same experience.
Awarded the player of the Carnaval was Deegan Cameron along with strong performance from Oliver, Swaroop, Archie, and Jake.
Looking back over the program from the first training night to the final squads, it was good to see boys get opportunities and the experience of training for selection that’s required at league level. Even though some did not make the final team, they represented themselves and their teams well.
To all the boys who made both sides – congratulations as this forms the start of your interleague journey.
MATCH 1
EDFL 14.13 (97) def. RDFNL 0.0 (0)
GOALS: Lewis Huddart 3, Deegan Cameron 2, Xavier Lloyd 2, Archie Brown, Ben McDonald, Adam Mouhamed, Frederic Kelson, Henry Marques, Henry Hough, Zayn Abdallah.
BEST: Henry Hough, Xavier Lloyd, Daniel Farfoud, Archie Brown, Jake Cacopardo, Deegan Cameron.
MATCH 2
WFNL 7.5 (47) def. by EDFL 7.7 (49)
GOALS: Zayn Abdallah, Jake Cacopardo, Gus Gladsby, Marcus Lenzi, Henry Marques, Adam Viceconte, Archie Brown.
BEST: Oliver Boulton, Henry Hough, Adam Viceconte, Xavier Lloyd, Deegan Cameron, Archie Brown.
UNDER 13 GIRLS
Coach: Max Johnston
Firstly, I would like to thank all those who helped me and supported the Under 13 girls squad, especially my assistant coaches Anna, Mia, and Bernie, team manager Ryanne, and trainer Ray. A major shoutout to the EDFL, RDFNL, and WFNL for creating this great tournament to showcase the girls.
Our first game saw us take on the RDFNL. The girls who had never played together before came out firing and demonstrated high skills and scoring powers in the match. While the scoreboard was heavily on our side, we made sure to continue to implement our game plans and styles to ensure we were playing exciting football that we had trained and designed together. The spread of goal kickers and an even spread of best on ground for the game showed the high level of skill we have coming through the system.
The second game we knew would be a bigger test against the WFNL. While we controlled the scoreboard again, the girls were tested numerous times across the ground, but they stuck strong for the four quarters. Again, demonstrating their high-level skillsets and attention to structures which allowed us to come out victorious in the tournament.
The 24 representatives demonstrated the growth in females’ football, and all showcased why they deserved to represent the league.
The girls were one of the funniest, loudest, and connected groups that helped them play amazing football, and most importantly had fun doing it.
MATCH 1
EDFL 13.13 (91) def. RDFNL 0.0 (0)
GOALS: Mya Mariam 2, Cedar Rea 2, Harriet McClelland 2, Shaylee Beeck, Eden Bishop, Kierly Cook, Taliah Ellahibi, Emma Burda, Isla Vella, Baylie Harley.
BEST: Harriet McClelland, Kierly Cook, Stella Irwin, Cedar Rea, Isla Vella, Eden Bishop.
MATCH 2
WFNL 2.4 (16) def. by EDFL 6.0 (36)
GOALS: Breanna Castillo 3, Zara Azzopardi, Emma Burda, Isla Vella.
BEST: Keira Branagan, Stella Irwin, Grace Bajinskis, Bella Barden, Breanna Castillo, Emma Burda.
UNDER 13 BOYS DIVISION 2
Coaches: Rob Don, Matt Baker & Dan Ward
It was great to arrive at the interleague Carnival Weekend after a new and improved extended training block this year.
With the support and a clear directive from EDFL headquarters, the coaches were able to provide and implement two key focus areas.
Firstly to play a fun and attacking brand that encourages players to showcase their natural talents.
And secondly to allow players to be exposed evenly to multiple positions each match to gain experience and confidence for future growth.
These areas were a raging success throughout the day thanks to the buy in and 100 per cent application from the players.
It clearly stood out in our first match against RDFNL that was won in impressive fashion returning 13 different goal kickers.
After a short break between games the boys were back showcasing their talents against the WFNL. Another win achieved in a polished performance on the back of unselfish team work and a real willingness to link up and reward each other.
A really positive day was had by all involved with the EDFL program and it was a nice insight into the future talent that is held within.
A big thank you to the parents who helped out on the day and for the support shown regarding the key philosophies.
And a special mention to Mason Sutherland from Keilor who was awarded our player of the carnival.
MATCH 1
EDFL 20.16 (136) def. RDFNL 0.0 (0)
GOALS: Mason Sutherland 3, Ahmed Houssein 3, Alessandro Di Chiara 2, Sonny Laidler 2, Mohamed El-Achkar 2, Lenny Montgomery, Kobe Watson, Thomas Jakimov, Zac Bonner, Jaxton Harvey-Little, Archie Southurst, Benjamin Gatt, Carlisle Jeffs.
BEST: Mason Sutherland, Ahmed Houssein, Benjamin Gatt, Carlisle Jeffs, Adam Taha, Lenny Montgomery.
MATCH 2
WFNL 3.2 (20) def. by EDFL 14.8 (92)
GOALS: Mason Sutherland 3, Benjamin Gatt 2, Archie Southurst 2, Jackson Atherton, Lachie Morrison, Thomas Jakimov, Jaxton Harvey-Little, Alessandro Di Chiara, Carlisle Jeffs, Jud Lehmann.
BEST: Mason Sutherland, Benjamin Gatt, Alessandro Di Chiara, Thomas Jakimov, Carlisle Jeffs, Sonny Laidler.
