Island juniors display strong talent

U14 Blue

Scores: Phillip Island: 3.5.23. Dalyston's: 8.12.60.

Goals: Marley Cabello, Ryan Hughes and Roy Paterson - 1.

Best players: Ryan Hughes, Sam Fairthorne, Balin Riky, Marley Cabello, Roy Paterson and Harvey Paterson.

U14 Red

This week, the U14 Red team played Leongatha who are second on the ladder.

Spirits were high as Zane Larsson made his long-awaited return from a broken arm.

Leongatha started strong, showcasing their midfield class.

Captain Archer Bailey-Cox and newcomer Oscar Tuchtan fought hard, while Kolby and Kyra Carton put their bodies on the line in defence. Phillip Island trailed 15-0 going into the second quarter.

Maddi's run and carry game picked up, combining well with Archer, but couldn't convert on the scoreboard.

Zane's courageous play reminded us of his missed presence. Dexter, despite being undersized, gave his all in the ruck.

At halftime, Phillip Island were down 37-0.

In the third quarter, Zane's efforts stood out, but Leongatha controlled the play. Maddi's persistence led to a goal from fill-in Jacob Dean.

Despite good passages of play, they were down 56-6.

Leongatha pulled away in the final quarter. Despite the midfield's effort, their size advantage was decisive. Phillip Island's backline, led by Blocker and Dustin Naismith, fought till the end.

Scores: Phillip Island: 1.0.6. Leongatha: 15.12.102.

Best players: Maddison Leed, Kolby carton, Archer Bailey-Cox, Zane Larsson, Dustin Naismith and Kai Sturt.

U12 Red

It was a tough match for the U12 Red team, with the Leongatha flu knocking out 10 players.

This meant the remaining pups wouldn't get a rest on the bench and gave them a chance to show how strong and resilient they are.

It was a hard-fought game with every player working hard for the whole four quarters, and in the first holding the Parrots to only one goal.

The midfield were in and under everything, and Phillip Island's defence line laid tackle after tackle.

Jye Smith showed real football maturity with a couple of shepherds that saw the pups gain much needed forward push, working with Kai Denblyden to clear the ball from the Island's defensive 50.

Oliver Hellmuth-Pask, Brock Larsson, Jett Fawaz, Reef Elliot and Jasper Goodall showed speed and great teamwork through the middle to push into their forward 50 where Chuck Cameron, Toby McHugh and Zed Findlay were waiting.

Even the U10s who stepped up were able to impact the game, the team thanks Noah Hollings, Jackson Rodakis and Fletcher Hennessy. Also, to the Parrots for stepping in with Phillip Island each quarter.

Best on ground: Aiden Smith who was everywhere effortlessly, covering ground quickly and moving the ball forward, Archie Dallinger who was in an amongst every contestant within his reach, Cody Naismith for laying great tackles and moving the ball forward, Jye Smith the defensive and shepherd king, and Johnny Rizzo and Nash Hornsby-Ramage for working their magic together through the mid and wings. An outstanding effort by all while under constant pressure.

Scores: Phillip Island: 0.1.1. Leongatha: 10.1.61.

Best players: Jett Fawaz, Cody Naismith, Aiden Smith, Kai Denblyden, Nash Hornsby Ramage and Jye Smith.

U12 Blue

This week the U12 Blue pups had the luxury of a home game against the very much improved Dalyston outfit.

This week's Captain, Jackson Summerfield, although quite a young fella' is a team favourite and leads by example every week on the field and this week was exactly that.

The Island jumped out of the blocks with a cracking first quarter with the wind to hit the scoreboard with three majors, one each to Bowie Edwards, Taj Piera and Ray Wolfenden.

Their back line was repelling every attack and lead wonderfully by skipper Jacko, Kingston and Joel who have improved out of sight in the last month.

The game turned into a real arm wrestle for the next two quarters with some great football displayed by both teams.

Phillip Island's midfield did their best, with great work rate from pups Wizz, Spike, Robbo and Taj showing the other lads how getting their hands on the ball first is the style they want to play.

In the last quarter they showed their fitness and snagged another through Wizz Patton, some great running and determination from Ry Shears.

First gamer, Maxy Carville fitted straight into the team and will be a great asset for the second half of the year with his strong work around the ball.

A real team effort this week and if Phillip Island continues to play this way they are in for a ripper second half of the season.

Scores: Phillip Island: 4.2.26. Dalyston: 1.3.9

Goals: Bowie Edwards, Will Patton, Taj Piera and Ray Wolfenden - 1.

Best players: Archer Paxton, Ray Wolfenden, Joel Mead-Sanchez, Kingston Boisvert and Ry Sheers.

U10 Blue

In an intense matchup, the U10 Blues, led by Captain Ryder, displayed unwavering dedication and teamwork against Dalyston.

The first quarter witnessed relentless efforts from Reeve, Sam and Logan as they pushed the ball towards Phillip Island's attacking end.

Despite Dalyston's accurate play, Logan's brilliant mark in the goal square denied their scoring opportunities.

Coach Steve stressed communication among players, highlighting Will's precise handballing and Harvey's strategic positioning.

In the second quarter, Quill and Eddie battled fiercely in the midfield, while Logan's impressive mark and Reeve's crucial tackle showcased Phillip Island's defensive prowess.

Oscar and Ryden positioned themselves in front as was asked, providing advantages for Phillip Island.

The fourth quarter saw Sam's exceptional skill and determination on display followed by a series of superb marks by Tate, Will and then Oscar. Leith's steadfast defence further frustrated Dalyston's efforts.

Awards: Oscar "Boots" for his shepherding and playing in front, Dash for consistent effort, Harvey for his strategic play and Ryder for his unwavering commitment, always giving 110 per cent effort.