Football
6 May, 2024
Wimmera Under-14s claim SWDFNL Carnival
The WFNL under-14s representative football team stormed to victory on Sunday in the South West District Football Netball League Junior Football Carnival in Heathmere.
It was the first time in over 30 years that the Wimmera Football Netball League had Interleague sides and the Under-14s came out strong to win all of their games.
They defeated Warrnambool District in game one by 13 points, Hampden East in game two by 20 points, South West FNL by 54 points and in the Grand Final defeated Hampden West by 46 points. The Grand Final score was 10.5-65 to 3.1-19.
Coached by Warracknabeal's Kyle George, the team gelled together quickly and George praised them for it.
"It was exciting to be back in a representative carnival and getting these kids together, and the way they handled themselves, was terrific," George said.
"They didn't know each other and did a great job in gelling together and playing as a team.
"Everyone played well, even the ones that had to miss a game at times. Everyone did what they were asked and played their role and it showed how dominant we were there."
Ruckman Max Spokes and midfielder Chaz Smith were standouts with Ryder Hudson at centre-half-back and Tom Penny through the midfield.
"Max and Smith were very consistent and won the medals," George said.
"Lincoln Tucker stood out off half-back and a lot of people commentated on how well he played and LJ Kafegellis was excellent up forward."
George said the boys were terrific considering how much football they have crammed in over the last few weeks.
"From the very first training run two weeks ago, they were all focused and keen for this, and after playing footy on Saturday's, following with training on Sunday's, they did well.
"They were a bit gassed at the end but never stopped trying and it was a pleasure to coach them.
"One of our better players in game one, Billy Jenkins, got concussed in the first 15 minutes which was unfortunate for him."
The under-17s, whilst they didn't win, put in an excellent performance with two wins and two losses.
They defeated Warrnambool and South West whilst losing narrowly to both Hampden FNL teams.
Coach Jarrod Illig said the boys played well.
"The two sides we lost to were quality, tough opponents and the boys played well throughout the day and did the Wimmera proud," Illig said.
"Pat Toner was our best player with Gibson Perry outstanding in the ruck and Drew Harris and Max Bunworth also did well.
"I give full credit to the boys. They gelled well and in rep football, you are out of position a lot and play different positions and no one complained. They just went ahead and did their job which made coaching them easy."
Wimmera Football Netball League board member Neil King thanked the helpers on the day.
"Thanks to Peter Walsgott and Lisa Nelson for their work as trainers and super thank you to coach Kylie George who enthused self-belief in the players," King said.
"The best-on-ground medals named after Former League chair Trevor Albrecht will be presented at the junior vote later in the season.
"Thanks to the Ararat Advocate for supplying medals to all players who represented the League in both age groups."