Ahead of 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!
First up, the Under 14s.
UNDER 14 BOYS DIVISION 1
Coach: Daniel Mangan
Having the opportunity to work alongside Jordan Leask and Jay Smiley, both highly experienced coaches, and having early access to the players from November 2025, allowed us to undertake a thorough selection process and implement a strong, competitive game style leading into the carnival.
Our opening match was against a very impressive NFNL side, and the game certainly lived up to expectations. It was highly contested, and played at a fast pace with excellent ball movement by hand and foot. Our players remained composed under pressure, executed our game plan, and were rewarded with a solid 14-point win.
In games two and three against the RDFNL and WFNL, our focus was to be good teammates by sharing the football and take the game on with quick ball movement. The players embraced our messaging and played an exciting brand of football, resulting in two convincing wins.
Throughout the carnival, what stood out most was the connection within the group. The players genuinely supported one another, played a selfless brand of football, and embraced the opportunity to represent the EDFL. Their commitment and positive attitudes throughout the program made the experience extremely rewarding for all involved.
Overall, it was a successful carnival for the Under 14 Division 1 team. Jordan, Jay, and I were incredibly proud of their efforts and the way they represented the league both on and off the field.
MATCH 1
EDFL 11.8 (74) def. NFNL 8.12 (60)
GOALS: Harry Aldridge 5, Eli O'Sullivan 2, Oliver Buc, Cooper Paiti, Jordi Seidel, Cole Taylor.
BEST: Harry Aldridge, Xavier Jozwin, Henry Reddan, Lenny Mullane, Oliver Buc, Noah Khoshaba.
MATCH 2
EDFL 24.11 (155) def. RDFNL 1.0 (6)
GOALS: Logan Hobson 3, Harry Aldridge 2, Eli O'Sullivan 2, Henry Reddan 2, Tomasi Rodan 2, Jordi Seidel 2, Max Simone 2, Chance Smiley 2, Xavier Jozwin, Jed Kearon, Parker Mangan, Brady Massaro, Jesse Smith, Cole Taylor, Issac Ward.
BEST: Max Simone, Logan Hobson, Jesse Smith, Eli O'Sullivan, Parker Mangan, Jed Kearon.
MATCH 3
WFNL 5.12 (42) def. by EDFL 20.11 (131)
GOALS: Harry Aldridge 6, Mason Allen 2, Xavier Jozwin 2, Henry Reddan 2, Max Simone 2, Lochie Freeth, Logan Hobson, Brady Massaro, Tomasi Rodan, Chance Smiley, Jesse Smith.
BEST: Henry Reddan, Cooper Paiti, Harry Aldridge, Mason Allen, Jordi Seidel, Chance Smiley.
UNDER 14 GIRLS DIVISION 1
Coach: Simon Cheel
The 2026 AFL Victoria Metro Junior Development Series provided a wonderful opportunity for the team to proudly represent the Essendon District Football League while competing against some of the strongest junior footballers from metropolitan Melbourne. The Under 14 girls program focused strongly on player development, with training sessions designed to enhance players' skills, game understanding, and team offensive and defensive principles. Players then had the opportunity to apply those learnings throughout the three-match series.
The opening game of the series was against WFNL under lights at Ormond Park. Despite the muddy and slippery conditions, the girls adapted quickly, applying strong pressure around the contest and moving the ball with purpose. An outstanding opening quarter, featuring five goals despite the difficult conditions, gave the team an early advantage they never relinquished. The girls maintained their effort, composure and teamwork throughout the contest, delivering a strong four-quarter performance to ultimately claim a deserved 20-point victory.
The second game saw the girls travel to Belvedere Reserve in Seaford to face the F&DJFL. Unfortunately, the team made a slow start and struggled to settle into the match, with the opposition making the most of its opportunities to build an early lead. After half time, the girls responded with greater energy and confidence, taking the game on with intent, creating more scoring opportunities and producing the brand of football they are capable of playing. Although the F&DJFL held on for the win, the second-half performance demonstrated the team's resilience and the progress made throughout the program.
The final game was against the EFNL at Walker Park in Nunawading. The team made another slow start and found it difficult to gain possession, allowing the EFNL to establish a significant early lead. After half time, the girls produced another impressive response. They played with greater confidence, moved the ball with purpose and created more scoring opportunities through relentless effort, resulting in the girls outscoring their opponents in the third quarter. Although the EFNL proved too strong, the girls continued to compete until the end, finishing the series on a positive note.
Looking back on the program, the growth shown by the players, both individually and as a group, was its greatest achievement. The girls embraced challenges, built strong friendships, and proudly represented themselves, their clubs and the EDFL.
Thank you to all the players for their outstanding commitment and effort throughout the program, to the assistant coaches, Wasim and Lily, and all the parents and guardians who volunteered and supported the girls on game days.
MATCH 1
EDFL 6.7 (43) def. WFNL 3.5 (23)
GOALS: Tahli Micklethwait 4, Dina Bailey, Willow Trcek.
BEST: Zara Smith, Sophie Tobin, Rachel Barone, Dina Bailey, Tessa Stevens, Tahli Micklethwait.
MATCH 2
FDJFL 6.10 (46) def. EDFL 4.4 (28)
GOALS: Zara Smith 2, Evelyn Angelucci, Willow Trcek.
BEST: Tessa Stevens, Zara Smith, Josephine Jones, Zoe Huynh, Milla Livingston, Dina Bailey.
MATCH 3
EFNL 13.7 (85) def. EDFL 3.4 (22)
GOALS: Milla Livingston, Tahli Micklethwait, Willow Trcek.
BEST: Ruby Withers, Josephine Jones, Zara Smith, Rachel Barone, Tessa Stevens, Willow Trcek.
UNDER 14 BOYS DIVISION 2
Coach: Daniel McLean
The 2026 interleague carnival was a fantastic experience for our Under 14 Boys squad. From our first training session in November through to our final game, the players embraced the opportunity to represent the EDFL and their clubs.
As a coaching group, our aim was to provide the players with a high-performance environment that introduced them to the standards expected within the talent pathway. Through structured training sessions, line meetings, match-day preparation, and game reviews, the boys gained an insight into the professionalism, discipline, and attention to detail required to continue their football journey.
I look forward to following the players' journeys over the coming years and wish them every success as they continue to develop both on and off the field.
MATCH 1
EDFL 6.13 (49) def. by NFNL 7.9 (51)
GOALS: Flynn Atkins 3, Thomas Colaidis, Lucas Smarrelli, Toby Tuohey.
BEST: Oakley Morgan, Lucas Smarrelli, Brooklyn Pace, Harper Stonehouse, Flynn Atkins, Tyson Clark.
MATCH 2
EDFL 25.17 (167) def. RDFNL 0.0 (0)
GOALS: Tyson Clark 5, Sullivan Clarke 5, Lachlan Ditfort 5, Liam Barnes 2, Jackson Barry 2, Archie Degiorgio 2, Thomas Colaidis, Lachlan Hatch, Jacob Knowles, Reyansh Sharma.
BEST: Flynn Atkins, Sullivan Clarke, Lachlan Ditfort, Brooklyn Pace, Alexander Olle, Reyansh Sharma.
MATCH 3
WFNL 5.7 (37) def. by EDFL 14.11 (95)
GOALS: Oakley Morgan 6, Brooklyn Pace 2, Sullivan Clarke, Anthony De Fazio, Jacob Knowles, Reyansh Sharma, Lucas Smarrelli, Toby Tuohey.
BEST: Lachlan Ditfort, Oakley Morgan, Lucas Smarrelli, Alexander Olle, Lachlan Hatch, Sullivan Clarke.
UNDER 14 GIRLS DIVISION 2
Coach: Max Johnston
I would like to thank all those who were apart of the Under 14 interleague series, coaches from both teams, Simon and Wasim, as well as our trainer Natasha, team manager Kylie, and especially my assistants Anna and Mia.
Our first match up came on a cold, wet night at Moonee Valley against YJFL. The girls started off slowly while getting used to playing with each other.
After half time the girls showed their contested prowess and desire to win or halve every contest, something we set out to do in all our games.
Our second match we travelled to Seaford to play against the F&DJFL where the girls started the game perfectly. They showcased the game style we had trained for during the run up to the series and it showed on the scoreboard.
The game was our closest contest and showcased exactly what they were capable of especially when they worked together and better understood their teammates, their strengths, and how to implement different methods throughout the game.
Our final game came against SMJFL at Maribyrnong Park, our toughest test of the series. Once again, the girls showcased the aggressive, contested mindset that was prominent in all three of our games.
While we couldn’t get a win on the board, the girls showed a positive mindset throughout and demonstrated great resilience.
Overall, the girls not only developed their football skills, football IQ, and learning game structures, the biggest growth was between all 24 players and the connections they made.
Most importantly I hope they had a lot of fun along the way!
MATCH 1
EDFL 3.1 (19) def. by YJFL 6.12 (48)
GOALS: Lily Coghlan, Annabelle Dorman, Tiana Trimboli.
BEST: Sabah Taha, Lily Kennedy, Ella Khabbaz, Annabelle Dorman, Grace Bogle, Louise Kilpatrick.
MATCH 2
FDJFL 4.9 (33) def. EDFL 4.3 (27)
GOALS: Emilia Coco, Ella Khabbaz, Pia Palmisano, Sabah Taha.
BEST: Lily Kennedy, Lily Coghlan, Amira Wahby, Daina Gugliotti, Pia Palmisano, Louise Kilpatrick.
MATCH 3
EDFL 0.2 (2) def. by SMJFL 4.7 (31)
BEST: Amira Wahby, Lily Coghlan, Daina Gugliotti, Tiana Trimboli, Pia Palmisano, Sara Muraya.
