Under 18 Gippsland Carnival Review
On a bitterly cold day the EDFNL U18 Interleague performed well in the Gippsland carnival on Wednesday 28th June at Morwell. It squared the ledger winning matches against the North Gippsland Football league (NGFNL) and Mid Gippsland (MGFNL) but fell to the West Gippsland (WGFNC) and Gippsland (GFL), the latter who were the only undefeated side and carnival winners.
The EDFNL finished third on the table, contested strongly in every game and won a lot of respect from all opponents. Neerim Neerim South ruck rover Jay Ladson won the best EDFNL player of the carnival medal. He was a driving midfield force in all four matches, spotted up teammates well and chimed in with two match winning goals in the final minutes of the last match against the MGFNL.
Match 1 – v NGFNL
The EDFNL started well with a mark and conversion by Liam Casey to take an early lead that it never surrendered. Jack Champion freewheeled forward all game, steered through two goals and was lent able support in and around the middle by Daniel Axford, Jay Ladson, Isaac Guy and Logan Wallmeyer. Jackson Williams hauled a crucial mark and kicked a vital goal in the second half while Liam Lisle used his body strength well and defender Liam Kirkman executed some timely spoils in what was a good team effort.
Half Time EDFNL 2.1.13 v NGFNL 1.2.8 – Full Time EDFNL 4.2.26 defeated NGFNL 2.3.15
Match 2 – v GFL
The EDFNL dominated out of the centre early and with goals to Logan Wallmeyer, Dom Keane and Patrick Sheehan it jumped the GFL to set up a 3-goal lead inside the opening seven minutes. Credit to the GFL for it wrested back control in the later part of the quarter to hit the front at half time and with three unanswered goals in the second half drew clear. In defeat Jay Ladson was a stand out, Liam Kirkman again made a number of crucial interceptions and midfielder Jack Champion won plenty contested ball. Will Battley, Isaac Guy and Logan Wallmeyer produced some darting runs and often worked the ball deep into the forward line while Jackson Williames used his height well around the ground.
Half Time EDFNL 3.1.19 v GFL 3.2.20 – Full Time EDFNL 3.2.20 lost to GFL 6.3.39
Match 3 v WGFNC
Once again, the EDFNL started well with an early major to Dom Keane and was well and truly in the contest until the halfway mark of the second term before the WGFNC surged clear with three unanswered goals. The WGFNC defence, midfield and forwards worked in unison the far better all game and deserved their victory. Will Battley, Jay Ladson and Daniel Axford offered good rebound out of defence, Jack Champion was once again prominent while Liam Lisle and Liam Kirkman again battled gamely.
Half Time EDFNL 1.0.6 v WGFNC 3.2.20 – Full Time EDFNL 1.1.7 lost to WGFNC 6.6.42
Match 4 vMGFNL
After a real struggle the EDFNL came from behind to score the final three goals of the match to win by 11 points. Jay Ladson with three goals and two vital last quarter goals, was the chief playmaker while Jack Champion, Patrick Sheehan who provided a good target and Tom Burgess all scored goals. Logan Wallmeyer showed good pace, Daniel Axford and Xavier Muir good rebound and run and Dom Keane made his presence as he did in every match. Ryan Bradshaw, Josh Hall and Pat Alger all had their good moments over the course of the day but injuries early in the day to Chad Owen and Tom Bingham restricted the EDFNL’s use of the interchange bench.
Half Time EDFNL 2.2.14 v MGFNL 2.0.12 – Full Time EDFNL 6.2.38 defeated MGFNL 4.3.27
The league executive would like to acknowledge coach, Kody Wilson and assistants Tom Axford and Connor Perry and runner Lachlan Guy for their time and effort over the campaign. Also, thanks to Alan Massaro, Tony Stewart and Peter King from the Trainers Association, photographer Jeff Tull, timekeeper Keith Fort. As well thanks to the Yarragon FNC for use of their facilities over the last six weeks and to Melissa and Sarah for preparing the meals last week at the jumper presentation night not to mention EDFNL Junior Development Officer Stephen Pratt for his organisation along with the board for the time and monies invested into junior football. Also it would be remiss of us not to thank the various Gippsland umpire panels who officiated, the GFL for running the event this year and all the parents and supporters who attended what was a great day junior football played in good spirit and sportsmanship.
