U14 Mixed Red

A crisp Autumn morning drew in a respectable crowd for Round 3. After a Round 2 loss, the anticipation was thick in the air.

A couple of the island’s key players were out of action due to injuries which gave Kilcunda Bass the advantage, getting the scoreboard ticking over with the first points of the game.

Starting from the middle of the oval, Callum Chambers and Loklan Newstead worked well in the midfield ruck, along with Maddi Leed and her high work rate dominating the midfield.

The island got some big tackles on Kilcunda Bass – courtesy of Jackson “Jacko” Allan and Kai Sturt.

Throughout the remainder of the first quarter, the island was able to move the ball around from the defensive half into the forward 50, with a commendable, individual effort from Bryce Lawrence taking an intercept mark on their attacking 50.

Going into quarter time however, the island was yet to score.

After a heartfelt team huddle, they came back on and were ready to take on the second quarter.

Maxen Mills kicked a daisy-cutter down the oval to Archer Bailey-Cox who took a great mark, weaved it towards the island’s attacking 50, however lost it following a big hit from Kilcunda Bass.

Kolby Carton and Bohdi Cooper linked up well from the ruck and were deep in the island’s defensive 50 and putting the pressure on. With a wayward ball however, Kilcunda Bass ran hard on the attack and scored another goal.

Gemma Fischer – a standout amongst this quarter – kept her eye on the ball, lay down some big tackles and slowed the oppositions attack.

Angus McLure took a great ball, however narrowly missed a goal opportunity.

Heading into the second half, Kilcunda Bass came out hard and fast.

An unlucky bounce saw Gemma Fischer playing a blinder of a game from the midfield, combining with Bailey Parry. The run and carry from halfback Maxen Mills, along with a disposal and mark by the tenacious Captain Jackson Allan covered vast ground on the defence.

Bailey “Blocker” Taylor linked up well, rebounding from the defensive 50 into the forward line.

Moving into the third, the pressure was intense with the wings, Kai Sturt and Dustin Naismith laying down some solid tackles.

Into the final quarter, the team had nothing to lose. They got hold of the ball immediately, with a tap from Kai Sturt, onto Maddi Leed and then to Maxen Mills – kicking a grubber down the middle of the oval.

Then, a pickup by Archer Bailey-Cox who disposed of it to Angus McLure and narrowly missed what would have been a memorable and well celebrated goal.

It was another zippy run from deep within the island’s defensive 50 by Gemma Fischer that created a power play linking up with Bailey “Blocker” Taylor and Callum Chamber who defended the high ball and disposed of it mid stride to Xavier Holmes who kicked a near perfect goal down the line screamer, narrowly missing the six-pointer. With this, the final siren blew.

However valiant the Red's efforts were, they were outplayed by a more cohesive team.

Kilcunda Bass were working together as a well-oiled and well-polished unit.

Scores: Kilcunda Bass: 10.8.78 def Phillip Island Red: 0.0.0.

U12 Red

In a rollercoaster match against Kilcunda Bass, the island’s U12 Reds showcased their resilience and determination to secure a thrilling victory.

The game began with promising momentum for Phillip Island, but a lapse in focus saw them struggle in the middle stages. Despite the setback, the team refused to let adversity define them.

With a rallying cry at three-quarter time, the players refocused and reignited their passion for the game.

It was a true team effort as they banded together, remembering their training and playing their brand of football.

In a stunning turnaround, the island finished the game with a flourish, executing their game plan to perfection.

With each player giving it their all, they fought tooth and nail until the final whistle.

It proved to be a well-deserved victory for the island and the unwavering spirit and teamwork displayed by every member of the U12 Reds.

Scores: Phillip Island Red: 5.4.34 def Kilcunda Bass: 4.4.28.

Best players: Flynn Riley, Jett Fawes, Tijan Coldora, Ziggy Wagner, Oliver Hellmuth-Pask and Kai Denblyden.

U12 Blue

The U12 Blues headed to the ‘Burra for their Round 3 clash last weekend.

The team were welcomed by Mick and his coaching staff. Captain for the week, Miller Sund got the team up and about with some wise and encouraging words pre-game.

The island hit the ground running with a swift centre clearance from their elite midfield Liam Cleary, Bowie Edwards, Jax Marshall and Wiz Patton.

Young gun, Billy Easton was quick to score the first goal for the island.

The second quarter was an arm wrestle between the arcs, with one point to the ‘Burra.

Ray Wofenden in the ruck was a master stroke – dominating and enjoying his football.

Half time approached, and the message from Coach Mick, was to keep up the good work but be aware the ‘Burra kids would give their all throughout the second half.

That’s exactly what the island did. A goal of the year contender was witnessed at the scoreboard end, Jax “Crippa” Marshall gave the U14 siblings behind the goals a celebration only usually seen at the MCG.

The final term saw the pups extend their lead with a great mark and set shot from Wiz Patton.

Some great teamwork from Kingston Boisvert, Ari Defazio, Kash Scheibel and Otis Joyner showed how the island are improving and getting match fit as the weeks progress.

Scores: Phillip Island Blue: 3.4.22 def Kilcunda Bass: 1.1.7.

Best players: Jaxen Marshall, Liam Cleary, Archer Summerfield, Kingston Boisvert and Ari De Fazio.

Goals: Billy Easton, Jaxen Marshall and Will Patton – 1.

U10 Red

Under the leadership of Captain Aria, the island’s U10 Red delivered an electrifying performance against Kilcunda Bass.

Aria's inspirational speech ignited the team's spirit, setting the stage for an impressive display of skill and teamwork.

Tanner exhibited exceptional prowess with his precise tackling and expert handballs, effectively setting up his teammates for success.

Bohdan demonstrated remarkable vision by consistently finding open space on the field, facilitating strategic ball movement.

Lachie made a memorable debut in his first game of the season, showcasing his relentless pursuit in contested situations.

Eliza's standout moment came with a spectacular tackle on the wing, demonstrating her defensive prowess and commitment to the team's success.

Aria – leading by example – showcased her tenacity by winning crucial contested possessions, solidifying her role as Captain.

The island’s collective effort and cohesion were evident throughout the game, reflecting their dedication and hard work on the training ground.

This week's awards: Tanner, Eliza, Wryker and Lenny.

U10 Blue

On a crisp morning last weekend, the pups travelled to Korumburra.

Coach Steve was impressed with the boys’ shepherding throughout the first quarter, along with solid marks and goals from Cooper and Ethan.

The island’s hard work kept the ball in their forward half throughout the second quarter, thanks to a commendable effort from Reeve and a tackle by Hugo.

Sonny found a great position to take a mark by playing in front of his opponent, and Hugo was clever in reading the play and dropping back to defend.

In the third, Korumburra Bena came out hard, leading to some scrappy winter football.

A big effort from Ryden showed his commitment, leading to solid clearances. Hugo was a perfect shepherd to a teammate, and Logan and Cooper took it in turns to shepherd one another. William was also a highlight in this quarter.

Throughout the final quarter, Eddie got the ball clear from a congested play and had a huge run, bounce, and then a long and true kick for goal.

The next play saw Logan clear the ball forward, along with William perfectly positioned in the goal square – receiving it and kicking it on for another great goal.

Awards: Ryden, Sonny, Tate and Hugo.