AFL Yarra Ranges Wrap
Round 1 kicked off in if the fog but all were blessed with bright sunshine come Senior kick off. Division 1 saw Belgrave unfurl their Division 2 Flag, the Professionals Cup was hosted by Mt Evelyn and Yarra Junction played Powelltown in their Local Rivalry Clash. Some surprise results and some good Football & Netball was witnessed by club’s supporters and the Yarra Valley Community. The Winners in Senior Football – Upwey Tecoma, Emerald, Olinda Ferny Creek, Woori Yallock, Wandin, Yea, Seville, Kinglake and Yarra Junction. A Grade Netball Winners – Belgrave, Olinda Ferny Creek, Healesville & Emerald had a draw, Woori Yallock, Wandin, Seville, Kinglake, Yarra Junction and Yea.
Bendigo Community Bank Division 1 Seniors Football
Upwey Tecoma 20.15.135 def Belgrave 7.12.54
Belgrave unfurled their 2017 Division 2 Flag but unfortunately for them that was where the joy ended. Upwey Tecoma put on a stellar performance to welcome them back into Division 1. The 1st qtr was an even affair with only 7 points the margin in Upwey’s favour. Upwey put on a bit of a clinic in the 2nd holding Belgrave scoreless while they piled on 6.6 to make the margin a formidable 48 points at half time. Belgrave rallied somewhat in the 3rd but Upwey still managed to increase their lead at the final margin to 57 points. The final qtr was all Upwey kicking 6 goals to 2. Upwey Tecoma Best: D. Devers, D. Waters (9 goals), D. Bell (3 goals), S. Waters, J. Tailby, L. Beacom. Belgrave Best: J. Toole, T. Fleming, P. Gough, J. Brown, N. Somervaille, M. Johnson (1 goal).
Emerald 19.8.122 def Healesville 14.10.94
Emerald travelled to Healesville and gave Healesville a bit of a surprise touch-up. Healesville got a slight lead in the 1st and were 6 points in front. Emerald turned that around in the 2nd and were never headed from there. They piled on 7 straight to Healesville’s 2.3 and went into the long break with a 21-point lead. Healesville fought back in the 3rd kicking 7 goals to 6 which was an entertaining qtr for spectators but they could not bridge the gap going into the last giving Emerald an 11 point lead. The last qtr was tight but Emerald outscored Healesville by 2.5 to 2 goals and came away with a good 1st round win. Emerald Best: Michael. Dompietro, Mathew. Dompietro, M. Stephens (1 goal), J. Castricum, J. Pedder (3 goals), S. Semmens (2 goals). Healesville Best: M. Jeffery (2 goals), J. Nugent, J. Savage (3 goals), D. Plozza, N. Aldridge, R. Woodford (3 goals).
Olinda Ferny Creek 12.18.90 def Monbulk 5.8.38
Monbulk played host to the 2017 Premiers and had something to prove from last year. The game was a close contest in the 1st and was low scoring but Olinda held a 2-point lead at qtr time. It was a goal for goal tussle in the 2nd but Olinda peppered the goals with 9 scoring shots to 4 and increased their lead to 12 points at half time. Olinda again were wasteful in front of goals in the 3rd which plagued them a bit last year, but they were solid in defence not allowing Monbulk to kick any majors. Their lead had increased to 30 points at the final change and they looked home and hosed. The final margin could have been a lot more but another wasteful qtr still saw them kick 3.5 but Monbulk could only kick 1 behind. Olinda Ferny Creek Best: D. Wilson (1 goal), M. Hottes (2 goals), R. Cottam-Starkey (1 goal), D. Troutman, S. Atkinson, J. Rankin. Monbulk Best: N. Sargent (1 goal), A. Beck (2 goals), C. Tibb, K. Fletcher, S. Williams, M. Dekker.
Woori Yallock 21.26.152 def Warburton Millgrove 8.3.51
Last year’s Runners Up in Woori Yallock played host to Warburton and would have been wanting to atone for last years Grand Final performance. They came out full of run and completely dominated a shell-shocked Warburton. The game started slowly and Warburton even though they could not manage a score in the 1st were still in it due to Woori Yallock wasted opportunities in front of goal by kicking 2.8. Woori Yallock straightened up in the 2nd kicking 4.4 while Warburton kicked 2.1. The lead was 35 points at half time. Woori Yallock really put the foot down in the 3rd kicking 7.10 to 1 straight to hold an insurmountable lead of 81 points at 3 qtr time. They certainly did not take the foot off the pedal in the last with 8 goals to 5 to come away with a 101-point win. Woori Yallock Best: J. Matthews (1 goal), Z. Monkhorst (1 goal), S. Kennedy (2 goals), J. Williams (3 goals), K. Busoli (3 goals). Warburton Millgrove Best: M. Wappett, L. Barnard (2 goals), L. Spaulding, M. Read, B. Clinch, T. McKail.
Wandin 19.13.127 def Mt Evelyn 14.14.98
Mt Evelyn & Wandin battled it out for “The Professionals Cup’ and it was Wandin who got off to a solid start kicking 5.2 to 2.6 in the 1st. The 2nd qtr was tight and Mt Evelyn outscored Wandin kicking 5 goals straight to Wandin’s 4.3, but the lead was a handy 11 points at half time. Wandin bounced back in the 3rd and kicked 6 goals to 4 to extend their lead to 24 points at the final break. It was an even final qtr and no one really had full control. Mt Evelyn peppered the goals, but their inaccuracy probably did not help at the end of the day. Wandin Best: R. Ross (4 goals), R. Heasley (1 goal), J. Ladner (2 goals), P. Hodgett (3 goals), H. Byrne (2 goals), J. Van Unen (4 goals). Mt Evelyn Best: T. Hallett-Tauali’I (1 goal), A. Gibbons, M. Martin, J. Beamish, C. Urquhart, K. Jones (4 goals).
Aurora Bar & Cafe Division 2 Seniors Football
Yea 14.15.99 def Alexandra 9.7.61
Alexandra played host to Yea in the “Over the Ranges” clash but could not manage to curtail the run of Yea. Yea got the jump in the 1st but it was an entertaining 1st qtr with 7 goals being kicked with Yea leading by 3-points. They kicked away in the 2nd with another 2 goals to Alexandra’s 1 behind and extended their lead to 21 points at half time. Alexandra could not penetrate Yea’s defence in the 3rd and could only add to their score with 1 behind while Yea kicked 4.6 to take a comfortable lead of 50 points going into the last. Alexandra outscored Yea kicking 6.1 to 4.1 but their run was left far too late. Yea Best: S. Bamblett (2 goals), R. Aldous (2 goals), C. Graham (3 goals), D. O’Dwyer (1 goal), M. Pitman, A. McSpeerin. Alexandra Best: J. Brereton (2 goals), B. Norris, N. Waugh, M. Steiner (1 goal), L. Ragg (1 goal), B. Cooper.
Seville 23.15.153 def Gembrook Cockatoo 12.13.85
Seville travelled to Gembrook to take on a new look Gembrook side and were in control all day. The 1st qtr was a closely fought contest with only 5 points separating the 2. Seville kicked 5.7 to 3.3 in the 2nd to hold a 21-point lead at half time. Another consistent 3rd qtr by Seville with 8 goals straight to Gembrook’s 4.3 had their lead out to 42 points at the last change. The game was always in Seville’s grasp and they finished it off kicking 7.4 to 3.2 to come out winners by 68 points in the end. Seville Best: M. Cecere (3 goals), J. Nolan, J. Cecere (4 goals), J. Neal (6 goals), N. O’Keefe’(4 goals), D. Broadway (3 goals). Gembrook Cockatoo Best: M. Firrito (5 goals), D. Volta (1 goal), M. Templeton (1 goal), P. Backman (1 goal), D. Williams, L. Taylor.
Kinglake 19.22.136 def Thornton Eildon 5.1.31
Kinglake travelled to Thornton and flexed their early season muscles. They got away to a flyer kicking 6.4 to 1 behind and took a very nice lead of 39 points into the 2nd qtr. Thornton bounced back in the 2nd kicking 4 straight to 2.6 and outscored Kinglake in the 2nd. Kinglake rectified that in the 3rd not allowing Thornton to worry the scorers but kicked 7 goals themselves to increase their lead to 81 points at the final change. It was a hard day at the office for Thornton going down by 135 points at the final siren. Kinglake Best: M. McAllister, A. Burns (5 goals), J. Butterworth. Thornton Eildon Best: J. Scotland, W. Cody (1 goal), T. Phelps.
Yarra Junction 19.17.131 def Powelltown 10.8.68
Yarra Junction took on Powelltown in their “Rivalry Game” today and came away with the title and the points. It was an interesting 1st qtr with Yarra Junction full of running kicking a very respectable 6.3 to 2.5 to take a lead of 22 points into the 2nd. Powelltown came back at them in the 2nd with 4 goals to Yarra Junction’s wasteful 2.7 but they were still behind by 17 points at half time. A huge 10 goal qtr by the Eagles to Powelltown’s 2 changed the flavour of the game as Junction had a lead of 64 points at 3 qtr time. It was low scoring in the last as both sides were spent but Yarra junction comfortably came away with 4 points to start their season. Yarra Junction Best: B. Clark (3 goals), L. McCombe (6 goals), C. Hoare, A. Chandler (1 goal), T. Boxell (3 goals), P. Cubbin. Powelltown Best: L. Middlemast, W. Dore, J. Bruhn (3 goals), R. McCrimmon, R. Briggs, J. Moore (1 goal).
Yarra Valley Motor Group Under 18s Football
Upwey Tecoma 24.10.154 def Alexandra 4.1.25
Upwey Tecoma made the trip up to Alexandra and came home with 4 points. Upwey had complete control over this game from the first bounce kicking 6 goals to 1 behind in the 1st. Alexandra kicked 2 majors in the 2nd but could not stop Upwey kicking 5 goals to take a lead of 55 points at half time. Alexandra kicked another 2 goals in the 3rd, however Upwey also kicked 4 to extend their lead further. Alexandra could not manage a score in the last as Upwey ran away with a solid win. Alexandra will be better for the hit out and will certainly play some good football throughout the year. Upwey Tecoma Best: T. Holland (2 goals), A. Grenda (9 goals), A. Bartils (4 goals), E. Bosua, T. Cairns, K. Weiser. Alexandra Best: J. Keath (1 goal), W. Woolford, T. Rouget, H. Gilmore, F. McCarthy (1 goal), N. Stewart (1 goal).
Gembrook Cockatoo 5.9.39 def Monbulk 1.3.9
Monbulk travelled to Gembrook and the first hurdle for both sides was to somehow combat the Fog, which hindered proceedings until the second half. The match got underway in the 3rd with Gembrook kicking 3 goals to 1 and had a lead of 14 points at 3 qtr time. Monbulk could only manage 1 behind in the last while Gembrook added another 2 and came away with a win in the end. Gembrook Cockatoo Best: J. Firrito (1 goal), Z. Loewe (1 goal), M. Frazzetto, J. Tilly, F. Trott (2 goals), D. South. Monbulk Best: D. Rak, T. Taylor, A. Richardson, S. Smith, J. Hodgson.
Healesville 20.17.137 def Emerald 3.6.24
Emerald took on Healesville and came up against a side that they were probably expected to beat but Healesville certainly had other ideas. They jumped out in the 1st booting 5 goals to just 3 behinds to have a lead of 29 points at qtr time. They held Emerald goalless in the 2nd but kicked 4.6 themselves to hold a commanding lead of 59 points at the major break. Emerald did kick 2 goals in the 3rd but Healesville had all the answers kicking another 5 goals. They iced the cake in the last with an impressive 6.7 to 1.2 last qtr to come away with a well deserved 4 points. Healesville Best: M. Minney (9 goals), E. Muke, R. Greensill, M. Renouf (1 goal), B. Cummins (1 goal), L. Chandler. Emerald Best: B. Brockwell, N. Stuhldreier, S. Kapahnke, J. Zimmerling, R. Goonan, J. Latham.
Woori Yallock 6.10.46 def Warburton Millgrove 5.9.39
Woori Yallock & Warburton certainly played the closest game of the round. Both sides kicked 1 goal in the 1st but it was Warburton that took a slim lead of 2 points into the 2nd. Woori Yallock could only kick 1 behind in the 2nd while Warburton certainly had more play up forward but could only manage 1.5 and extended their lead to 12 points at half time. The 3rd qtr was very even as Woori Yallock clawed away at the lead and reduced it to just 10 points as they turned for home. Woori Yallock found their second wind in the last and outran Warburton in the end kicking 3.4 to 1.1 to come away with a good win by 7 points. Woori Yallock Best: M. Anderson (1 goal), C. French, H. Bansagi, J. Aitchison (3 goals), D. Briggs, A. Ferguson. Warburton Millgrove Best: J. Coshutt (1 goal), A. Nelson, B. Norfolk, J. Cahill, B. MacDonald, J. Bishop.
Mt Evelyn 22.10.142 def Wandin 5.6.36
Wandin are defending Premiers from 2017 but their personnel have changed from last year and Mt Evelyn has shown that they are a force to be reckoned with this year. The 1st qtr was a good contest but Mt Evelyn still had a lead of 13 points at qtr time. They kicked away in the 2nd kicking 4 goals to 1 and increased their lead to 33 points. Wandin struggled to put much of a score on the board in the 2nd half due to the running and tackling pressure of Mt Evelyn who managed to kick and impressive 14 goals to 2 in a half of footy. Mt Evelyn Best: J. Merrett, T. Dodd (6 goals), B. Rattray (7 goals), M. Darke (1 goal), J. Hattwell (1 goal), E. Allan (1 goal). Wandin Best: A. Mandl (2 goals), M. Smith, C. Steiner, J. Goodburn, W. Brooks (1 goal), J. Daemen (1 goal).
Coldstream Cider Division 1 A Grade Netball
Belgrave 66 def Upwey Tecoma 25
Belgrave won the Division 2 A Grade Premiership in 2017 and were always going to be a contender in Division 1. They showed that against Upwey and started with 17 goals to 3 in the 1st qtr. Upwey halted the run of Belgrave in the 2nd a shot 11 goals to Belgrave’s 12 and the lead was 15 at half time. Belgrave really got away from Upwey in the 3rd with another impressive qtr of Netball shooting 17 goals to 5 and the task was now looming too large for Upwey in the last. Another big qtr shooting 20 goals to 6 saw the final lead in Belgrave’s favour by 41 goals. Belgrave Best: Emily Schill (55 goals), Tara Jois, Kalen Winters. Upwey Tecoma Best: Keira Venables, Teah Edelmaier, Gabriella Bull (7 goals).
Olinda Ferny Creek 79 def Monbulk Hawks 32
Olinda Ferny Creek are the defending Premiers from 2017 and it appears they have not slowed down any. They started off strongly shooting 19 goals to 7 in the 1st Peri Stewart was on shooting 13. The 2nd qtr was not much different with 20 goals from Olinda to Monbulk’s 9. The margin was 23 goals at half time. Monbulk fought hard, but Olinda just kept the pressure up in the 3rd and shot another 21 goals this time at the hands of Tess Linkins who shot 14. Another big last qtr and the margin had increased to 47 at the final siren. Olinda Ferny Creek Best: Krista Tomlinson, Tess Linkins (29 goals), Peri Stewart (41 goals). Monbulk Hawks Best: Lauren Byrnes (22 goals), Kaitlyn Seamer, Jessica MacDowell.
Healesville 36 drew with Emerald 36
Healesville & Emerald struggled a bit last season with Emerald winning 5 games, Healesville 2. They both needed a good start to their season. Emerald got off to a solid start shooting 10 goals to 5 in the 1st. It was all even in the 2nd with both shooting 10 goals, Emerald held the lead by 5 at half time. Healesville picked up their game and shot 13 goals to 10 in the 3rd and the lead was now only 2 goals. Going into the last it was tight and not much scoring was done but enough was done by Healesville to cause a draw and the share of the points for the day. Healesville Best: Lauren Rogers, Amy Stanley (29 goals), Chenile Chandler. Emerald Best: Kara Ellis, Abbey Dejong (16 goals), Jodie Terry.
Woori Yallock 54 def Warburton Millgrove 30
Woori Yallock was Runners Up in 2017 and Warburton did play in finals, so this game was going to be a tough one. Woori Yallock started the better shooting 15 goals to 8 in the 1st. They maintained that pressure in the 2nd shooting 11 goals to 9 and went into the half time break with a 9 goal lead. They completely outran Warburton in the 3rd shooting 16 goals to 3 and the lead was 22 goals. Warburton threw everything at them in the last, but Woori Yallock were far too strong in the end. Woori Yallock Best: Mia Sudomirski (8 goals), Lilly Walsh, Madeline Hargrave (24 goals). Warburton Millgrove Best: Tatum Summers, Selina Fotia, Bianca Daniels (15 goals).
Wandin 47 def Mt Evelyn 34
Wandin started their season off in fine form with a 15 to 8 goal 1st qtr. Mt Evelyn outscored them in the 2nd shooting 12 goals to 6 to reduce the margin to 1 goal at half time. It was a bit of a see saw 3rd qtr with Jackie Cullimore shooting 8 of Wandin’s 12 goals to give them a handy buffer of 5 goals going into the last. Wandin took control in the last with Abigail Gedge being thrown under the ring and shot 10 out of 14 goals to give Wandin the win. Wandin Best: Madeline George, Ruby Tidd, Abigail Gedge (15 goals). Mt Evelyn Best: Jacqui Black, Serena Gibbs, Hannah Jach.
Coldstream Cider Division 2 A Grade Netball
Seville 62 def Gembrook Cockatoo 8
Gembrook played host to Seville who in 2017 could not register a win in A Grade. It is certainly a different looking Seville side that took the court shooting 12 goals to 1 in the 1st to make their stamp on this game. They were unforgiving in their game play and shot another 15 goals to 3 in the 2nd to lead by 26 goals at half time. Another big 3rd qtr and try as Gembrook did they could not stop the run of Seville who shot another 18 goals. The final qtr went in Seville’s favour shooting 14 goals to 3 and a big win to start off their season. Seville Best: Mandy Bell, Stephanie McNay, Mariah Scully. Gembrook Cockatoo Best: Ella Gerencser (1 goal), Kaylene Clark (2 goals), Charmaine Douglas.
Kinglake 91 def Thornton Eildon 14
Kinglake were finals contenders last year and have started this year in fine form. A final winning margin of 77 goals has seen Kinglake make everybody stand up and take notice from Round 1. Kinglake Best: Not provided. Thornton Eildon Best: Jessica Slapp, Rose Kealy, Liana Clark.
Yarra Junction 40 def Powelltown 32
Yarra Junction & Powelltown always have close battles and you can only assume that this was one of them if the finals core is any indication. Yarra Junction ran out winners by 8 goals at the final siren. Yarra Junction Best: Amanda Finn (16 goals), Malia Ula, Ashley Ula (16 goals). Powelltown Best: Demi Barber, Emily Ough, Jacqueline Darwall (7 goals).
Yea 95 def Alexandra 26
Yea have certainly picked up some star recruits this season and the score reflects how tough they are going to be this year. A big win by 69 goals also sends alarm bells out to the opposition for 2018. Yea Best: Melissa Martinov (68 goals), Samantha Coppinger, Kathy Duncan. Alexandra Best: Ellie Hedger (12 goals), Caitlan Haggis, Bethany Cairns.