Welcome to Outer East Football Netball Junior Grand Final Day 2024, at Wandin North Recreation Reserve.
There is so much to celebrate today, the culmination of so much hard work by our players, coaches, committees, volunteers and parents/guardians.
Good luck to all sides playing today and well done to all teams whose season is now over. Thank you to all our Junior finals host clubs, your commitment to giving the players an opportunity to show their skills during our finals was fantastic.
This year we had more Junior participants than ever before and would like to thank each of the clubs committees for their effort in offering children the chance to enjoy the sport that we all love. We had fantastic numbers in our non competitive competitions (Under 9 Wayalaks & Under 10’s), as well as launching our first ever U10 girls competition, which is a great sign for our future.
Our junior competition does not only offer our participants an enjoyable place to play, but also offers a chance for a lot of children to become umpires. Without umpires we would not be able to play, so I would like to congratulate all our junior umpires, who officiated throughout the season.
To our Junior umpire mentor/coach Warwick Marsh, thank you for your effort in leading such a fine group of young boys and girls. Each week during the season we need to fill at least 63 games of junior football. I would like to thank Emily Jose who performs this task magnificently.
To all our OEFN staff, Junior Advisory committee members, OEFN board members and Club Presidents, Thank you for your support during this season.
Last but certainly not least, it has been a privilege watching our players enjoying their time playing with their mates and learning skills throughout the season. Well done to all our participants.
- Andy Gibbons OEFN Junior Operations Coordinator
MATCH PREVIEW
Head-to-Head:
Emerald 2-0
Ladder positions:
Emerald - 1st (13 Wins 1 Loss)
Olinda Ferny Creek - 2nd (11 Wins 3 Losses)
Previous Meeting:
Round 12 - Emerald 3-5-23 defeated Olinda Ferny Creek 2-3-15
“These boys turn up every week and give 100%. If they play their brand of football, they'll give themselves a great change of going all the way.” –Emerald Coach Aaron Barber.
“It’s been a pleasure coaching these boys this season. They really love their footy, which makes the job easy. We’ve got a good mixture of experienced kids that have played 50-80 games and kids that are playing their first season. They’ve really gelled together well and played some excellent footy. Good luck in the grand final boys!” – Olinda Ferny Creek Coach Tim Francis.
“I’d like to congratulate both teams, Mt Evelyn and the Upwey Tecoma u12s, once again on a fantastic season. My boys have worked extremely hard to get to this position and are hungry for one more win! I am extremely proud of the effort they have given, both at training and on game day, this entire season. We have had some incredible games against Upwey Tecoma in the last two years, and I’m sure Sunday will be no different. We are looking forward to an intense, highly skilled game of football. Sunday can not come quick enough. Go Rovers.” - Mt Evelyn Coach Daniel Miller
“Our U12’s boys have enjoyed another super season of football and through their hard work, have earned their spot in the Grand Final. We had a few new players join this year who have embraced the great team footy which I, and all the parents, have loved watching them play. Mt Evelyn have been great competition over the last couple of years and this Grand Final will be a highly skilled contest and one not to miss. I wish my boys the best of luck and believe if they play like they have all season, they can win the ultimate prize.” - Upwey Tecoma Coach David Van Hoorn
These two teams are pretty evenly matched and have built a great rivalry over the past few years. I think we have the skill and game plan to be successful but it'll all come down to the attitude the boys bring to the game. After two years of hard work, to get us back to this position, I'm sure the boys won't let this opportunity slip. – Healesville Coach Lee D’Alterio
We are not a team of champions, we are a champion team! The way this group has come together as a group this season has been inspirational! We can beat anyone when we play as a team. This should be a hard fought game against a quality opposition. Go get em Rovers and enjoy this moment! – Mt Evelyn Coach Joshua Sceberras
TEAM LISTS
Healesville:
Mt Evelyn:
MATCH PREVIEW
Head-to-Head:
Monbulk 1-0
Ladder position:
Monbulk 1st (12 Wins 1 Loss)
Wesburn 2nd (11 Wins 2 Losses)
Previous Meetings:
Round 8 - Monbulk 2-3-15 defeated Wesburn 1-4-10
“The girls have teamed well together to have a wonderful season and deserve their spot in the Grand final. We look forward to the game against Wesburn!” – Monbulk Coach Renae Dawson
"Our Wessy girls are Brave, smart, fast & powerful, Reaching the Grand Final three years in a row is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of our U12 girls' team. It means we've built a legacy of excellence and teamwork, inspiring each other to push boundaries and aim higher. No matter the outcome, we're proud of every step we've taken together on this incredible journey.” – Wesburn Coach Stephanie Mackay.
Our girls are very excited to have made the grand final. We only managed to play Wesburn once during the year and were able to win a good contest. Knowing that they were missing a few players we will not be taking this game lightly. Our girls have been really focused and determined to put their best foot forward over the last month and it has shown on the field. We will be hoping to continue that form.Healesville Coach Shane Newsome.
"Making it to the Grand Final with our U14 girls' Wessy Girls team is a remarkable achievement that reflects the commitment and resilience of every player. As coaches, we're honoured to guide these talented young girls who continuously inspire us with their determination and teamwork. This journey is more than just about winning; it's about growth, camaraderie, and the lifelong memories we create together on and off the field.“ – Wesburn Coach Tamika Ferguson.
