U18 Gippsland Carnival Review
Somewhat disappointingly, the EDFNL only won one of its four matches at the U18 Gippsland Junior football carnival held on Wednesday 9th July on a cold but dry day at the Morwell Recreation Reserve. It prevailed against North Gippsland but was soundly beaten by West Gippsland, Mid Gippsland and Gippsland. The boys were given a crash course in how much better Interleague football is. While the WGFNC won all four of their football games, the Gippsland Football League was crowned the winner of the carnival as it was undefeated in the U17 netball competition, held simultaneously for the first time with the football this year.
Match 1 - EDFNL 1.1.7 lost to West Gippsland FNC 7.4.46
The EDFNL were competitive in the first half and only trailed by nine points before the deficit blew out in the second half as the WGFNC poured forward in waves at every opportunity to run out 39 point winners. Coach Tom Hallinan praised the team for their intensity and overlap running in the first half but the boys tired in the second half, after plenty of good tackling and pressure in the opening term. Liam Coulthard turned in a top effort in defence while Logan Joyce, Ash Debenham, Co- Captain Kyson Cornwall, Kade Rossborough and wingman Jett Blackwood all weighed in with plenty of possessions behind centre and in attack.Kyson Cornwall was the sole goal kicker.
Match 2 - EDFNL 4.4.28 defeated North Gippsland 1.8.14
Tom Hallinan asked for his team to reset after the opening loss and the team responded with first half goals by Charlie Kilmartin, Blake McDonald and the other Co-Captain Isaac Caroleo to go into the main break 12 points up. Another Caroleo goal, after a classy finish with the outside of his right boot gave the EDFNL a 16 point lead before the NGFNL pressed hard but did not capitalise on their opportunities. The EDFNL's win was engineered by Caroleo's two goals in concert with the work ethic of midfielders & half backs Logan Joyce, Kyson Cornwall and Ash Debenham. Forward Charlie Kilmartin presented well and Ethan Seskis put in plenty of noteworthy efforts in defence.
Match 3 - EDFNL 0.3.3 lost to Mid Gippsland 6.7.43
Both teams frittered away opportunities in the first half, that saw the EDFNL trail by only one point - three behinds to four. Thereafter, the MGFNL dictated terms, produced a steady stream of goals to run out 40 point winners. Callum Kennedy, who put in a solid effort in the opening two games repelled many attacks, Liam Coulthard was again the best of the defenders, Charlie Kilmartin again prominent while Cody Welch and Alby McAuley contested strongly in defence.
Match 4 - EDFNL 1.1.7 lost to Gippsland 10.8.68
A goal by Charlie Kilmartin in the first half all counted for little as the GFL produced a dominant display, regularly turning defence into attack. It often prised open the EDFNL defence far too easily. Kade Rossborough was the pick of the EDFNL players. Ruckman Ethan Cooke, who had many good moments in the earlier games did well and Alby McAuley defused many attacks. Jhy Good came under notice with some handy disposals while midfield Isaac Caroleo and Logan Joyce had a real dip, along with Hamish Colvin, who also had quite a few good moments in the three matches beforehand.
Well done to Trafalgar defender Liam Coulthard, who was the mainstay of the defence and awarded the best player medal for the EDFNL.
The league executive would like to acknowledge all the coaches over the campaign, Tom Hallinan, Sage Tapner, Matt Devon & Daniel Vanboven. Thanks to our trainers Alan Massaro, Tony Stewart and Tracey Cooke. Also many thanks to runner Connor Perry, photographer Jeff Tull and the Yarragon, Trafalgar & Nilma Football Clubs for use of their ground, facilities and the later, the jumper presentation night. It goes without saying our Junior Development Coordinator Stephen Pratt has put in countless hours to assure both the U16 &18 campaigns progressed with minimal fuss.
The league is also very appreciative of all the families and friends that provided the players with their support to attend training and again on carnival day along with our uniform sponsor Intersport Warragul. Finally, congratulations to all the players who were selected to represent the league and trust all will be better for the experience!
