2022 OEFN Junior Football Grand Final Special Older Age Groups

Junior Grand Finals U17 Boys th th Woori Yallock v Olinda Ferny Creek 26 /28 August 2022 U14 Girls Woori Yallock/Monbulk Belgrave v Mt Evelyn U15 Ranges Monbulk v Gembrook Cockatoo U15 Yarra Healesville v Mt Evelyn U16 Girls Healesville Eaglehawks v Emerald

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO After losing close to two full seasons to the Covid-19 pandemic, it is terrific to see the Junior Seasons come to their conclusion over the next fortnight. Congratulations to all our players, coaches, umpires and clubs on making it this far and we hope you enjoy the occasion.

It is important to remember that this is junior sport and I encourage all spectators, parents and friends attending our Grand Finals that these games, whilst important, are played and in most cases umpired by children and the match day experience is much more important than the result.

Our Junior numbers have been extremely pleasing this year, with 102 teams competing across all our age groups. We have seen a steady rise in participation numbers over the past 5 years, with an increase of 30 teams. Grading, Friday Night Under 9’s and the work of our clubs has been a significant contributor to this, as has a significant investment in junior representative programs.

Thank you to Andy Gibbons, who has done an outstanding job leading our Juniors. His passion for our region and league is second to none. His sense of humour, enthusiasm and strong relationships with clubs and volunteers has seen him continue to provide fantastic support for our junior clubs Thankyou to our Junior Major Sponsor, Glenbrae signs, who have been long standing and valued sponsors of Outer East. Garry and his team are terrific supporters of football across clubs across the East and we are grateful for their ongoing support.

We welcomed Project Gap this year as Interleague Sponsors. The experience of completing AFL testing and training has been invaluable for our junior participants and interleague program. Our boys and girls' programs were highly competitive against much larger leagues, which is due to both a committed and knowledgeable coaching group and this initiative.

Thankyou to our Junior Clubs, their committees and families who all play a significant part in making this a vibrant, thriving Junior Competition. We appreciate all the support you provide us and your persistence and commitment through an extremely challenging period.

Best of luck to all teams today and congratulations on your seasons Aaron Bailey

JUNIOR INTERLEAGUE After a disjointed 2021 Junior Interleague due to Covid, we decided to review and change our junior interleague program.

We wanted to give more players the opportunity to be a part of our representative program, we also needed to streamline our program to give every player a chance to flourish in a more professional structure.

Firstly, we employed a Junior Interleague High-Performance Coordinator, Sebastian. Sebastian and I interviewed and selected the coach’s that we felt represented the professionalism we wanted for the program.

Under 13 Boy’s – Steve Martin & Matt Byron Under 14 Girl’s – Emma Horne Under 15 Boy’s – Brad Bates & Shane Newsome Under 16 Girl’s – Bryce Edwards & Claire Knell Under 17 Boy’s – Jack Pruden, Jake Hollingsworth & Stewy Alford Under 18 Girl’s – John O’Brien, Ben Harrison & Isabella Rennick The above coaches went over and above in their commitment to our program “Thank You” As we are a small league compared to others, we decided to merge our 14’s and 15’s into one Under 15 side and our 16’s and 17’s into one Under 17 side, this gave us a broader base to select from. We retained our 14,16 & 18 girls whilst also introducing an Under 13 Boys side. We started Phase 1 Interleague trials at the end of February and played trial games against MPJFL late March, after the trial games we progressed into Phase 2 Training selecting up to 50 players.

During the Phase 2 Training stage, we partnered with Project Gap and introduced a testing day similar to an AFL draft combine. Project Gap are a company that specialise in athletic development and the testing day was a huge success thanks to them.

After the Phase 2 testing day we trained for a couple of more weeks and then chose the 26 players to enter Phase 3 Interleague squad. About this time my righthand man Sebastian was offered a position he could not refuse with the Melbourne football club. I would like to thank Sebastian for his effort and commitment to our Interleague program, he was surely missed during the concluding stages of the program.

The carnival began on a cold winters evening out at Lang Warren, where we played the MPJFL. Though the weather was cold our hearts were warmed by the effort of all our teams. Under 14 Girl’s had a narrow loss, under 15 Boy’s started their carnival with a brilliant win, under 16 Girl’s toughed it out for a great win, under 17 Boy’s played out a gutsy come from behind win and our Under 18 Girl’s stuck to their structure and came away with the win.

Our next game was on Saturday up against SEJ, this was our first game for our Under 13 Boy’s and even though they were out sized and out played, they gave their all. The Under 14 Girl’s had a stirring win kicking 3 goals to none in the last quarter, the Under 15 Boy’s continued to play great footy and had another win, the Under 16 Girl’s played well, but had a narrow loss, the Under 17 Boy’s couldn’t back up from their win on Wednesday night and had a competitive loss and our Under 18 Girl’s didn’t kick too well but dominated and had a great win.

Our last games were played on Monday against FDJFL, weather was good, and the girl’s games were even better. The Under 14 Girl’s gave their all and had a narrow win, after a fast start kicking 7 goals straight the Under 16 Girl’s just hung on to record a nail-biting draw and our Under 18 Girl’s proved they are one of the best teams in the southeast after hanging on to win by 3 points. With 3 wins our Under 18 Girls have gone back-to-back and won the carnival once again.

Our boy’s teams did not have such a great day with our Under 13 Boy’s losing to a very disciplined FDJFL side, our Under 15 Boy’s had their first loss, but had a very successful carnival and our Under 17 Boys went down again, but showed we have some marvellous talent in our region.

Overall, I was extremely proud of all our teams and hoped all the players enjoyed their time in our interleague program.

Thank you to all our parents and support staff, without your input our program would not be so successful.

Also, a special mention and Thank you to our talent managers, Joseph Molluso (Head Talent Manager), Dan Holt (Male Talent Manager) & Glen Burton (Female Talent Manager).

Under 13 Boy’s – 2 losses Under 14 Girl’s – 2 wins, 1 loss Under 15 Boy’s – 2 wins, 1 loss Under 16 Girl’s – 1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss Under 17 Boy’s – 1 win, 2 losses Under 18 Girl’s – 3 Wins Thanks, Andy Gibbons

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UNDER 17 BOYS - WOORI YALLOCK V OLINDA FERNY CREEK WOORI YALLOCK VS OLINDA FERNY CREEK FRIDAY 26TH AUGUST WOORI YALLOCK 7.00PM STREAMED LIVE ON OUTER EAST FN SOCIALS FROM 7PM

Head-to-Head • Woori Yallock led 3-0 Ladder Positions Woori Yallock 1st 13 wins 0 losses 1 draw Olinda Ferny Creek 3rd 10 wins 3 losses 1 Draw Previous Meetings • Round 3 Woori Yallock 16.7 Def Olinda Ferny Creek 3.12 • Round 8 Woori Yallock 18.10 Def Olinda Ferny Creek 5.11 • Semi 2 Woori Yallock 3.9 Def Olinda Ferny Creek 0.1

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Semi Final Results • Semi 2 Woori Yallock 3.9 Def Olinda Ferny Creek 0.1 • Prelim Olinda Ferny Creek 6.10 Def Belgrave 5.9 GRAND FINAL PREVIEW A big crowd is expected to what promises to be a cracking contest between Woori Yallock and Olinda Ferny Creek. Both sides have multiple players who have played senior football in 2022, which highlights the depth of talent across both squads. Though Woori have won every encounter this year, Olinda have pushed them on a number of occasions and will believe if they can get off to a good start and put score board pressure on, they would be a chance to cause an upset.

Woori Yallock won a low scoring Semi against Olinda, whilst Olinda upset Belgrave in a thriller to advance to tonight’s decider. Olinda will know they need to restrict the high-powered offensive ability of Woori Yallock, who have match winners across the board/ Olinda has shown a great ability to restrict opposition scoring when they win, so the battle of attack vs Defence will be pivotal tonight FINAL THOUGHTS Olinda Ferny Creek Coach Paddy Ford There is no doubt that Woori have been the team to beat all year, however we know that our best footy can match it with theirs. Excited that the boys get the opportunity to play in a Grand Final and looking forward to having a “red hot crack” on Friday night.

Woori Yallock Coach Kody Busoli I think the grand final between Woori Yallock and Olinda has the potential to be a great game that could be won or lost in the middle. Olinda have some real quality around the ball that we will be keeping a close eye on and have been building well over the second half of the season. In terms of us we have a very clear game plan that we look to execute each week. We will aim to persist in our spread and carry with the ball to give our boys their best chance at coming away with the win. Good luck to everyone involved.

UNDER 14 GIRLS – BELGRAVE V MT EVELYN BELGRAVE VS MT EVELYN SUNDAY 28TH AUGUST MONBULK 10.00 AM STREAMED LIVE ON OUTER EAST FN SOCIALS FROM 10AM

Head-to-Head •

Mt Evelyn lead 2-1

Ladder Positions Mt Evelyn 1st 12 wins 0 losses Belgrave 2nd 10 wins 3 losses Previous Meetings • • •

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Round 10 Mt Evelyn 4.5 Def Belgrave 2.3 Round 12 Mt Evelyn 4.4 Def Belgrave 3.

Qualifying Belgrave 2.5 Def Mt Evelyn 2.4

Semi Final Results • •

Belgrave 7.10 def Monbulk 1.0 Mt Evelyn 8.5 Def Monbulk 4.7

GRAND FINAL PREVIEW Nothing has split these two sides all season long, with every encounter going down to the wire, including the Qualifying final which Belgrave prevailed by a point. That result was Mt Evelyn’s first loss for the season, and they have responded in fine style winning their last two finals convincingly. Belgrave were ultra-impressive in their win against Monbulk, dismantling a very good Hawks side to progress to the Grand Final.

This game is genuinely a toss of the coin, as both sides are so evenly matched. Against other sides they have both been high scoring sides, however matched up against each other scoring has been at a premium. Which side can convert their forward entries into goals will be the decisive factor in what looks to be a cracking contest. Is our first draw on Grand Final day on the cards?

FINAL THOUGHTS Mt Evelyn Coach Mackenzie Adams “The game this week between Mt Evelyn and Belgrave will be a very even contest as it has been all year. I know our girls are so excited to have the opportunity to play in a grand final, and I am sure they will go out there and take that opportunity with both hands to showcase all that they have been working on this year. Although we fell short to them in the semi-final, we know that if we play to our strengths, it will give us the best opportunity to take out the premiership.”

Belgrave Coach- Andrea McGuinness What a fantastic season it has been and making the grand final is a testament to the hard work and determination of all of th e girls. We are lucky to have such a fantastic group of girls who are passionate about their footy and have had loads of fun throughout the y ear. Each contest against Mt Evelyn has been tough and close and physically demanding on all the players. I am sure it will be an absolute cracker of a game and I look forward to all of the hard work paying off. Good luck to both teams!

UNDER 15 RANGES – MONBULK V GEMBROOK COCKATOO MONBULK VS GEMBROOK COCKATOO SUNDAY 28th AUGUST MONBULK 11.45 AM STREAMED LIVE ON OUTER EAST FN SOCIALS FROM 11.45 AM Head-to-Head • Monbulk leads 3-1 Season Record Monbulk 2nd 9 wins 5 losses Gembrook Cockatoo 1st 9 wins 4 Losses 1 Draw Previous Meetings • Round 5 Monbulk 5.4 Def Gembrook Cockatoo 3.4 • Round 8 Gembrook Cockatoo 12.9 Def Monbulk 9.5 • Round 14 Gembrook Cockatoo 6.4 lost to Monbulk 9.5 • Qualifying Gembrook Cockatoo 6.8 lost to Monbulk 9.4

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Semi Final Results Monbulk 6.10 Def Wesburn 1.1 Gembrook Cockatoo 15.7 Def Wesburn 2.4 GRAND FINAL PREVIEW Though Monbulk hold the advantage across the season, there is not a lot splitting these two sides, in what has been maybe the most competitive competition in all of Outer East Juniors in season 2022. Monbulk have been ultra-consistent in their scoring in these clashes. The side who can get to the 60-point mark has prevailed on every occasion.

Gembrook were excellent in their win over Wesburn and look to be hitting peak form at the right time, though will need to convert opportunities when they get them, as inaccuracy was the difference in a very tight Qualifying final between the two. This should be a very close contest between the best two sides in Under 15’s this year.

FINAL THOUGHTS Monbulk Coach Chris Hughson “We are looking forward to this grand final against Gembrook. Both teams match up well and should be close to full strength. Our encounters this season have been close physical matches. I hope both teams can put on a good show.”

Gembrook Cockatoo Coach Tony Flint “Gembrook’s u15 are very excited to have made the Grand final and are looking forward to another close game against Monbulk. With previous meetings going in favour of Monbulk 3-1 we are banking on a full list being available for the first time this year helping us get our nose in front when it matters but expect it to go down to the wire maybe even some extra time !!!”

UNDER 15 YARRA – HEALESVILLE V MT EVELYN HEALESVILLE VS MT EVELYN SUNDAY 28th AUGUST MONBULK 1.30PM STREAMED LIVE ON OUTER EAST FN SOCIALS FROM 1.30PM Head-to-Head • Healesville lead 4-0 Ladder Positions Healesville 1st 15 wins 0 losses Mt Evelyn 3rd 9 wins 5 losses Previous Meetings • Round 5 Healesville 7.8 Def Mt Evelyn 5.9 • Round 9 Healesville 10.10 Def Mt Evelyn 3.7 • Round 15 Healesville 7.9 Def Mt Evelyn 3.6 • Semi 2 Healesville 8.6 Def Mt Evelyn 5.8

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Semi Final Results • Semi 2 Healesville 8.6 Def Mt Evelyn 5.8 • Prelim Mt Evelyn 7.9 Def Woori Yallock 7.6 GRAND FINAL PREVIEW Healesville have had an outstanding season, going through undefeated but face a Mt Evelyn side who have consistently challenged them across the season. As Semi Final 2 highlighted, there is not a lot separating these sides and Healesville will have to be at their absolute best to claim the Premiers and Champions title this year.

Mt Evelyn progress to todays Grand Final winning a thriller against Woori in what was a sensational game of Junior Football. The key for the Rovers will be kicking a match winning score against Healesville defence, which has shown all year long they are hard to penetrate FINAL THOUGHTS Healesville Coach Shane Newsome “Today’s grand final promises to be a close and contested game. With little between the two teams throughout the home and away season, it is shaping up to be a midfield battle. Both teams rebound well off half back so who ever manages to get it in to the forward line faster and deeper to their forwards will gain the upper hand.”

Mt Evelyn Coach Not supplied at time of print

UNDER 16 GIRLS – HEALESVILLE EAGLEHAWKS V EMERALD HEALESVILLE EAGLEHAWKS VS EMERALD SUNDAY 28TH AUGUST MONBULK 10.00 AM STREAMED LIVE ON OUTER EAST FN SOCIALS FROM 10AM Head-to-Head • Emerald lead 2-1 Ladder Positions Emerald 2nd 10 wins 1 loss 1 Draw Healesville 3rd 9 Wins 4 losses

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Previous Meetings • Round 10 Emerald 7.5 Def Healesville Eaglehawks 6.10 • Round 15 Healesville Eaglehawks 6.10 Lost to Emerald 8.6 • Semi 2 Emerald 1.5 Lost to Healesville Eaglehawks 6.14 Semi Final Results Semi 2 Emerald 1.5 Lost to Healesville Eaglehawks 6.14 Prelim Emerald 7.4 Def Belgrave 2.1 GRAND FINAL PREVIEW For most of the season Emerald have been the side to chase in the Under 16 Girls. However, the competition was turned on its head when the inspired Healesville Eaglehawks defeated the Bombers in convincing fashion in Semi Final 2. The win was not a surprise, as the sides have had close encounters all season long, rather it was the nature of the win that surprised.

The two meetings between both sides during the year have been fantastic contests and absolute thrillers and they look to be what we can expect today. The infusion of Worawa girls always proves a boost for Healesville and expect the same today but Emerald finished on top for a reason, and we can expect a sensational contest to finish what has been a wonderful junior season.

FINAL THOUGHTS Healesville Eaglehawks Coach Andrew Crossman “The Healesville girls are really excited to play in the grand final this weekend. Some of them have been playing footy since they were in kindergarten, and some have just pulled on the boots for the first time this year but from the very start of the season you could tell that they all love playing with and for one another. They celebrate each other’s victories, whether they are on field or off field, together, and they look after each other when things do not go their way.

It has been a privilege to coach them this year. Our midfield has given us plenty of run and surge all season and our defence have been really settled over the last 4-5 weeks so hopefully that’s enough to get us across the line but Emerald have been a great team all year and we have had some great contests with them. We both play a similar style of footy so I think it will be a game decided by who makes the most of the opportunities presented to them.”

Emerald Not supplied at the time of print