Strong show by island juniors

U14 Blue

Scores: Phillip Island: 3.2.20. Leongatha: 10.13.73.

Goals: Samuel Cole – 1

Best players: Zack Sund, Caleb Cantwell, Samuel Cole, Sebastian Di Falco, Balin Riky and Brydon Marshall.

U14 Red

It was always going to be a tough gig for the Island’s Red pups coming up against top of the ladder, Inverloch Kongwak.

Due to injury and illness, they started on the back foot with only 13 players, including newcomer Oscar Tuctan (welcome back to the kennel), along with three U12 pups joining the match and Kyra from the U14 Girls.

A thank you from the team to Invy for sharing players each quarter.

Inverloch Kongwak started off strong, kicking away in the first.

The island’s ball handling and voices improved, and their defence kicked in hard during the second and third quarters keeping them to one major score each quarter.

To the Island’s credit, the pups never gave up and fought hard until the end. They should hold their head high and bring the same intensity to Leongatha next week.

Best on ground mentions go to Vice Captain, Archer Bailey-Cox who was all over it kicking three-goals-one, Dustin Naismith for two-goal assists, along with great marks, ball handling and movement.

Also, to Captain for the week, Bailey Parry who was strong in the ruck and using strong voice, Oscar Tuctan for coming out strong from the start with great marks and moving the ball forward, and to Kolby Carton and Blocker Taylor – the U14s defensive power houses.

Awards: Dusty Naismith, Kolby Carton, Bailey Taylor and our fantastic U12 pup that jumps in for the team each week and gives it his all, Aiden Smith.

Well done to all and a huge shout out to all the parent helpers who happily jump in each week.

Final scores: Phillip Island: 4.3.27. Inverloch Kongwak: 10.15.75.

Goals: Archer Bailey-Cox.

Best players: Archer Bailey-Cox, Dustin Naismith, Bailey Parry, Oscar Tuchtan, Kolby Carton and Bailey Taylor.

U12 Red

In a thrilling encounter, the Island’s U12 Red team displayed remarkable resilience to stage a comeback against Inverloch in their latest match.

Despite facing a tough opponent, the team fought hard and showcased excellent teamwork and defensive prowess, particularly in the last quarter.

Key players who stood out included Nash Hornsby-Ramage, Aiden Smith, Flynn Riley and Tijian Coldran – all contributing significantly to the team's performance. Their efforts were instrumental in turning the game around and securing a well-deserved result.

The team’s unity and determination were evident throughout the match, making this comeback a testament to their hard work and dedication.

Scores: Phillip Island: 2.3.15. Inverloch Kongwak: 3.6.24.

Goals: Flynn Riley and Johnny Rizzo – 1.

Best players: Flynn Riley, Kai Denblyden, Aiden Smith, Nash Hornsby Ramage, Jett Fawaz and Tijian Coldora.

U12 Blue

The Blue pups made the road trip to Leongatha on the weekend and were greeted with foggy conditions.

With many of the team’s top age players missing due to illness, it was always going to be tough up against a full strength ‘Gatha.

Captain for the week, Ari Defazio delivered a well-planned pre-game speech and the team ran out full of voice.

The upside of a few soldiers missing was the opportunity for some of the younger team members, getting their chance to play in positions they are working towards filling in their top age next year.

They found themselves chasing and being led to the ball for the first half, but after regrouping at half time played a much smoother game throughout the second half.

An injury to the inform midfielder Jax Marshall was not what the team needed, but some great work from players like Bowie Edwards, Wizz Patton, Max Robbo, Miller Sund and first gamer Rocco were keeping them in the game.

Highlights of the day included a great goal from the tall timber, Liam Cleary from the boundary which was his first in his career.

Along with the two young lads from the U10s, Ethan Cleary and Sam Martindale, who put their hand up to help – they slotted in well and looked more than comfortable playing with the bigger kids.

The team looks forward to getting back on the training track this week and working on the things that will get the pups on the winners list.

A thank you from the club to their parent helpers – the morning wouldn’t work without you all.

Final scores: Phillip Island: 1.0.6. Leongatha: 11.12.78.

Goals: Phillip Island: Liam Cleary – 1.

Best players: Kash Scheibel, Ari De Fazio, Will Patton, Liam Cleary and Rocco Archer.

U10 Blue

A foggy and fresh morning greeted the team in Leongatha as the pups prepared to battle it out in the velodrome against the Leongatha Parrots.

Captain Cooper Bennett inspired his team before he led them out.

With the lights already on, the first quarter was highlighted with strong marking, great reading of the play, and Teddy and Sunny tearing it up across half forward.

Jonty provided solid defence, and Dash and Ryden showed blistering speed on the wings. The quarter finished with a goal after the siren to Logan.

In the second quarter, Captain Cooper led the way streaming out of the middle, Eddie was tackling hard and Leith reaped the rewards of playing in front with a couple of big marks.

Sam and William capitalised with goals, Nicholas was getting on top in the ruck and Tate was dominating up forward.

The third quarter began with Ethan busting through four players to get the ball forward. Harvey got a heap of the ball on the wing and Ryder was on fire up forward.

The last quarter saw Elijah get fast clearances resulting in goals to Ethan and Eddie.

Sam was unstoppable in defence and Sunny provided plenty of drive out of the centre.

When the final siren sounded, the pups had completed a fantastic team effort.

Awards: Cooper, Logan, Sunny and Nicholas.

U14 Girls

On the weekend, the Island’s U14 Girls took on Inverloch at home. With more improvements, the girls gave their all against a super strong Inverloch side.

The girls took on board some tips to improve their ball movement out of the back line which was fantastic to watch.

The midfielders used their pace and agility to ensure they got even possessions into their forward line.

The Island’s forwards pushed hard against a strong Inverloch backline to create some scoring opportunities.

The girls kept the pressure on until the final siren went with the score going Inverloch’s way this week.

The team thanks all the parents and volunteers who help make this team shine every week. This incredible group is growing – watch out for the remainder of the season, these girls are coming for the wins.

Awards: Ruby K, Phoenix, Moo, Jaz and Hayley.

The island’s tornado tackler, Ella was awarded the Beau Vernon medal for her persistent tackling efforts and her never give up positively in every game. Well done Ella.

Scores: Phillip Island: 1.0.6. Inverloch Kongwak: 10.6.66.

Goals: N/A.

Best players: Ella Baker, Phoenix Stedman, Ruby King, Amelia Mahon, Jasmine Trapnell and Hailey Dunn.