15/09/2025
Hello Parents and Players of u13.5s
We did it!!!
After a long season with a lot of sweat and pain on the training track, we came away with the premiership win for season 2025.
What a game it was! It had all the expected ups and downs of footy and some hard-fought contests that our boys excelled in. All players rose to the occasion and gave everything they could. So, let’s go through each player’s performance in the Grand Final game starting with the Backmen:
Clarry M was given the task of shutting down the Tiger’s most dangerous scorer. Clarry sacrificed his own game to do this job to the best of his ability. He came out on top in this battle by spoiling, bringing the ball to ground and putting some big hits on any Tiger in his vicinity.
Mitch T was selected to play in the back pocket because of his aggression and tackling ability. He gave his all to stop multiple forward 50 entries by the Tigers. Mitch made at least two goal saving touches by forcing the ball over the line. His best game of the season…well done Mitch.
Barney L was again awesome in the back pocket and was repelling the ball at will. His body strength and composure under pressure was noted by the spectators and it was clear Barney has improved immeasurably this season to become a real force in defence.
Archie M on the Half Back line was in almost every forward entry attempt by the Tigers. He positioned himself perfectly many times for the Tigers clearing kicks and even when outnumbered three to one was able to force a stoppage or get the ball back. His courage in close contests is very impressive.
Nate G was Archie’s bash brother on the HB line and was able to run the ball and deliver into the corridor. Nate has only played a handful of AFL games but has already established himself as a weapon on our team. Keep your eye on this kid next season as we’ve only scratched the surface of his true talent.
Brodie C was quickly switched to Centre Half Back early in the first quarter to add size to our defence. Brodie has had a breakthrough in form in the second half of the season and was key to our excellent defence with his attack on the ball and ability to break lines.
Now to our Wingers:
Due to the unavailability of Barney M and Quinn K, Emmet A and Nate T played almost the entire game on the Wing. As you are all probably aware, this requires an immense amount of running (mostly sprinting).
Nate T was ready to play and threw himself in to every contest. He is now able to deliver foot passes accurately at speed. He works hard every training to improve this area of his game and it showed in the GF.
Emmett A is an absolute machine when it comes to distance covered during a game. He was able to affect every contest that he was part of and played his heart out in the GF. His foot passing is effective and his attack on the ball has become his strength.
Now to the Followers:
Eli W, as our Centre man, was declared Best on Ground for the GF!! He was simply unstoppable. Eli dominated the contested aerial ball and his explosion out of stoppages or close contests was breath taking. He certainly lead from the front in this game and was inspiring his team mates to lift their game.
Ryder W received a prize from one of our sponsors for his brilliant performance in this game. Ryder dominated multiple opponents and left the Tigers Coach shaking his head. Ryder was dominant in aerial contests and his foot passing was elite. His tackling during this game was aggressive, hard and technically perfect!! You’ve set the bar high now Ryder, and this is the level, that all who watch you, know that you can perform to.
Monty M, who is a bottom ager, has been given the task in the last few games to fill the role of rover so that Archie can play in our back line. Monty has not only taken on this role with gusto but has excelled as a rover that plays defensively and offensively. Monty is a future star and will lead his teams in the coming years.
Our Ruckman Kelby D again had one of his best games. The Tigers brought back their huge Ruckman, but Kelby dominated him at every bounce and his opponent had no answer for his elite vertical leap and speed. Kelby’s effort for the entire game was impressive, especially on the burst, at full speed, through the corridor to deliver the ball to our forwards.
Now to our forwards:
Oscar H, as our only u11s player, showed heart and skill well above his age. He not only gets the ball, but he also delivers it with such accuracy as to be a weapon on the Half Forward line. His courage to get back up, late in the game, after being smashed by a much larger opponent, was inspirational. Without a doubt Oscar earned his GF medal this day!!
Aston S was moved to the Centre Half Forward position early in the game as a counter move. Ashton showed great skill to ensure he got to as many contests as possible and inject himself into our forward line. His ability to adjust to this move shows his versatility and his high footy IQ.
Mitch C on the Half Forward line was again effective in his role. He got multiple key possessions when we really needed it. His ability to get the loose ground ball and deliver accurate hand balls helped with our forward 50 entries. Mitch scored a clutch set shot that really relieved the score board pressure for us.
Lars W in the forward pocket was giving everything and aggressively attacking his opponents at all times. He used his size and strength to keep the ball in our forward line and took multiple marks that kept the Tigers guessing.
Leo H, in the pocket, was battling hard with multiple tackles and possessions that kept the pressure on the Tigers’ defenders. Leo played through pain for the entire game and showed true grit to help his mates.
Nate P was a real headache for the opposition at Full Forward and was able to dominate his direct opponent. Our forward entries weren’t as clean as last game and Nate had to fight for every possession he got. With his size and strength, he was able to score two crucial goals right when we needed them. As the Captain, he lead from the front and defended his mates when called upon.
Now to the Interchange bench:
Ethan H was injected into the forward line and played through pain to give his best efforts to every contest. With Ethan’s height and kicking skills he will be an excellent forward, or utility next season.
Tyrone O was also used late in the game to give our Winger a rest. Tyrone immediately got to the contest and tackled hard. Tyrone has promised me that he will come back bigger and stronger next year.
Dante E was also used late in the game in the forward line. Dante knows exactly what role he must play, and he does that to the best of his ability. Watching Dante run on to the field with exuberance really lifts his teammates’ spirit.
Lucas M was brought into the team after having his arm in a cast for 8 weeks. His enthusiasm is infectious, and he loves his footy. Lucas got a few possessions and tackles and even one massive body clash that knocked his opponent over, showing the potential that is to come with this boy.
What an amazing season and a well-deserved result for our boys.
Hopefully, I will see you all at the presentations at 5pm this Thursday afternoon.
Kindest Regards
Coach Chris
