EDFNL REVIEW - GIPPSLAND U18 FOOTBALL LEAGUE CARNIVAL
The EDFNL team finished third on the five-league table in the U18 Gippsland junior football carnival held on Wednesday 3rd July on a chilly but dry and sunny day at the Ted Summerton Reserve in Moe.
The Ellinbank Eagles beat North Gippsland by 41 points , drew with Mid-Gippsland and suffered seven- and 21-point losses respectively to West Gippsland & Gippsland. Congratulations to West Gippsland that won all their four matches, topped the table and subsequently were victors.
Match 1 – EDFNL 1.2.8 lost to the West Gippsland FNC 2.3.15
The EDFNL tried hard, put on a bold show and was the far busier of the two defences but due to plenty of terrific tackling, harassing and pressure it was able to minimise the damage on the scoreboard. Rising Longwarry star and EDFNL captain Cooper Brown was inspirational and set the example for his teammates while behind centre, where much of the game was spent, Kyson Cornwall, Riley McLeod, Joel Armstrong and Tom Burgess did well to neutralise many WGFNC attacks. The EDFNL did not shun any contests and its effort were rewarded with a last-minute goal by key forward Kai Mounsey, but too late for it to retrieve the situation. To give the WGFNC its dues it outplayed the EDFNL and thoroughly deserved victory despite the close end margin.
EDFNL Goals: - Kai Mounsey
EDFNL Best: - Cooper Brown, Darcy Britt, Kyson Cornwall, Rory Nettle, Joel Armstrong, Riley McLeod.
Match 2 – EDFNL 3.3.21 drew with Mid Gippsland FNL 3.3.21
Despite the cold weather EDFNL supporters were made to sweat it out all game before a free kick and resultant goal by Josh Downes with a minute to go secured a draw against a spirited MGFNC. Cooper Brown was again a standout with ample mid field support from Darcy Britt, Logan Joyce, Joel Armstrong and vice-captain Declan McFarlane while defenders Tyler Fowkes and Callun McDonald produced many effective spoils. Kai Mounsey steered through two majors and James Welford and Rory Nettle came under notice. Like its first match the EDFNL work ethic could not be questioned but it often failed to use the ball effectively. Credit to the MGFNL for the pressure it applied all game to generate many turnovers for which the EDFNL paid dearly.
EDFNL Goals: - Kai Mounsey (2), Josh Downes.
EDFNL Best: - Cooper Brown, Joel Armstrong, Logan Joyce, Darcy Britt, Declan McFarlane, Tyler Fowkes.
Match 3 – EDFNL 7.11.53 defeated North Gippsland FNL 2.0.12
The EDFNL poured forward regularly to record a 41-point win. Neerim South forward Kai Mounsey provided a top target and with a series of strong marks and four goals proved to strong for the NGFNL defence - to be the game breaker. Kyson Cornwall played an instrumental role with his centre square tap work; Rory Nettle used the ball well with several timely interceptions and his raking kicks out of defence while Isaac Caroleo instigated plenty of forward thrusts. Cooper Brown again gathered heaps of possessions while Ayden Clarke, Pat Dorian and Josh Downes won many effective touches.
EDFNL Goals: - Kai Mounsey (4), Tom Burgess, Isaac Caroleo & Jett Blackwood.
EDFNL Best: - Cooper Brown, Kai Mounsey, Tom Burgess, Isaac Caroleo, Kyson Cornwall & Rory Nettle.
Match 4 – EDFNL 3.3.21 lost to the GFL 6.5.41
The GFL proved a bridge too far for the EDFNL. After conceding the first five goals, the EDFNL maintained a positive upbeat attitude and made some headway with three second half goals.
Kai Mounsey put the polish on a strong second half performance with two goals to record nine for the carnival – an outstanding effort – while Pat Dorian bobbed up with two terrific run down tackles and kicked the other goal. Cooper Brown, Rory Nettle and Kyson Cornwall all excelled, as did Josh Downes, Tom Burgess along with Joel Armstrong and Jett Blackwood, who were also consistent performers in all the games.
EDFNL Goals: - Kai Mounsey (2), Pat Dorian
EDFNL Best: - Cooper Brown, Rory Nettle, Kyson Cornwall, Pat Dorian, Josh Downes & Tom Burgess.
After the last match EDFNL coach Kody Wilson said he could not fault the commitment of all the team over the campaign and their efforts on the day. He said they played plenty of good football that was the equal of the best leagues at times but lamented his team’s ability to execute effective disposals while under pressure.
Cooper Brown was awarded the EDFNL Best Player Medal. He was a driving force in all four games while Kai Mousey (9 goals) and still an underage U18 stamped himself as a player of the future.
The league executive would like to acknowledge the coaches over the campaign, Kody Wilson, Matt Devon, Matt Cozzio and Connor Perry. Also, thanks to our trainers, Alan Massaro, Tony Stewart & Pat who helped the U18’s at training and on carnival day. Also, thanks to photographer Jeff Tull, the Yarragon Football Netball Club for the use of their ground, facilities and jumper presentation night.
The EDFNL is indebted to Junior Co-Ordinator Stephen Pratt for the time he put in to ensure both our U16 &18 Interleague campaigns ran smoothly. It is also appreciative of all the families and friends that provided the boys with transport to attend training and on carnival day.
