AFL VICTORIA METRO JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT SERIES
SATURDAY 11 JUNE
RSEA PARK, MOORABBIN
UNDER 14 SAINTS v EASTERN FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE
An impressive start for the Under 14 Saints in the AFL Victoria Metro Junior Development Series with a commanding victory over the Eastern Football Netball League (EFNL).
In arctic conditions, the Saints flew out of the gates booting the first three goals of the contest to take a 26-point lead into the first break. High pressure and quick ball movement was on the cards, with the Saints repelling attacks and turning them into scores.
This continued for the remainder of the game, with the Saints hardness at the contest and superiority in the air a clear standout.
Saints assistant coach Michael Hegan complimented the playing group on its discipline, especially when it came to structure which allowed for classy, fast flowing end to end ball movement for majority of the contest.
UNDER 14 STARS v RIDDELL DISTRICT FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE
With conditions still as frosty as the first game, the Under 14 Stars also got their 2022 campaign off with a strong win over Riddell District Football Netball League (RDFNL).
After a tight first quarter against the breeze, the heat was on from both teams as they both looked to apply the pressure on the field and on the scoreboard, with only 8-points the margin at quarter time.
However, the breeze at their backs, the Stars took full advantage, booting 5 goals to nil in the second to assert themselves on the game.
The Stars continued to hit the scoreboard with regularity in the second half, finishing off some beautiful passages of play by turning them into scores.
UNDER 15 GIRLS STARS v RIDDELL DISTRICT FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE
The Under 15 Girls Stars got off the perfect start at RSEA Park on Saturday with a win over Riddell District Football Netball League.
The Stars impressive work at the coalface, dominating in contested ball from the outset allowed them to dictate terms in the fast half, entering the main break well in control of the contest.
It was very much the same after half time, with the Stars able to keep the ball inside their half of the field for much of the second half and continue to hit the scoreboard with accuracy.
Heading into the final quarter with the result now a none factor, the girls enjoyed the final quarter out on the deck which hosts the AFLW, again hitting the scoreboard with frequency and jubilantly celebrating a great achievement on the final siren.
MONDAY 13 JUNE
TREVOR BARKER OVAL, SANDRINGHAM
UNDER 15 GIRLS SAINTS v AFL SOUTH EAST
After a nail-biting one-point loss on Saturday, the Under 15 Girls Saints hit back in a big way in their clash with AFL South East.
After a sluggish start from both sides, with South East applying plenty of pressure around the ball, the Saints lifted their contested ball work, allowing their skills to be on full display and start converting on the scoreboard.
This rolled on into the second half, with the Saints again winning the territory battle through high intensity pressure and one percenters around the ball, with repeat inside 50’s and an ability to lock the ball inside attacking 50 leading to more scoreboard pressure.
After the final break, the Saints were told by coach Gab Suriano to go enjoy themselves, and whilst the girls from the South East had a really solid quarter, in where the pressure went up another notch, the Saints had done enough to secure a win in the AFL Victoria Metro Junior Development Series.
UNDER 15 BOYS STARS v ESSENDON DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Coming in off the back of an impressive outing on Saturday, the Under 15 Boys stars looked to finish the weekend with an unblemished record against Essendon District Football League.
However, the Stars couldn’t replicate their hot start from Saturday, with the EDFL getting the jump and taking a handy lead into quarter time.
Their slow start continued throughout the second quarter, with the EDFL continuing to hit the scoreboard whilst making it difficult for the Stars to get into any kind of offensive flow.
However, the Stars never gave up, and while the scoreboard may have not reflected so, their effort and intensity in the second half was unquestionable and they represented the league brilliantly.
UNDER 15 BOYS SAINTS v YARRA JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE
In a high-quality game of representative junior football, the Under 15 South Metro Saints fell short against the YJFL despite their best efforts.
Taking some time to work into the game, back-to-back goals for the Saints in the second term followed by one just prior to the half time siren sparked them into the game, with only a 20-point margin at the main break.
In an ultra-competitive third term, which saw the Saints intensity at the contest go up another notch, especially inside defensive 50 with their ability to not only staunchly defend but rebound with pace and skill.
The Saints threw everything they had in the fourth to try and reign in the 27-point deficit, despite their best efforts couldn’t quite get over the line against the Magpies.
Click here to view results for all SMJFL away fixtures in the AFL Victoria Junior Development Series.
Written by Zac Jennings
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