MONASH UNIVERSITY MONDAY REVIEW
ROUND 9
SUNDAY 16 June 2024
SMJFL X YJFL U18 Youth Girls Competition
In an exciting development, the South Metro Junior Football League (SMJFL) and Yarra Junior Football League (YJFL) have collaborated to deliver a crossover league for the remainder of the 2024 Season, combining four U18 Girls Division 1 teams from each league. This week served as the first round for this newly formed competition, and fittingly fell in line with the SMJFL’s inaugural Women and Girl’s Round.
St Peters/Bentleigh 2.7.19 def. by Beaumaris 8.10.58
A consistent effort across 4 quarters proved to be the key for Beaumaris in the strong victory away at King George Reserve against St Peters/Bentleigh. Decisive in front of goal, well organised in defence, Beaumaris pounced early and kicked 2.2 to the hosts reply of a single behind, providing early confidence for the visitors. The Sharks carried their tenacity into the second term, replicating their first quarter efforts with another 2 major scores whilst holding St Peters/Bentleigh to only 2 minor scores, establishing a strong 23-point lead at half time. Following the message to continue their perfectly executed game plan, Beaumaris executed another 2-goal quarter – this time impressively preventing any scoring efforts from the home side. Despite the game being out of reach, two goals from Sienna Allen and Tess Baxter in the final term softened the blow for the home side, rounding out a comfortable 39-point win for Beaumaris.
Fitzroy 11.2.62 def. St Kilda City JFC 1.1.7
A historical day at WT Peterson Oval, with Fitzroy welcoming St Kilda JFC for the first time since August 1966. The 58-year wait for the next iteration of this fixture, this time in a Youth Girls contest, proved to be well worth the wait with both sides delivering exciting and fast-paced football. A St Kilda City side in good form were tested from the outset, with Fitzroy sharp play and strong running power proved challenging to contain for much of the game. Despite repeated entries inside 50, St Kilda were unable to capitalise on the scoring opportunities, allowing the home side to run away 55 point winners.
Prahran JFC 8.5.53 def. Kew Comets 1.1.7
Despite the scoreboard suggesting a seemingly one-sided encounter, Como Park played host to a high quality, end to end game between Prahran and Kew. Strong defensive efforts from both sides saw scoring chances kept to a minimum, with Prahran’s efficiency inside 50 enough to bypass the Comet’s strong defence. Standout performer Chloe Williams, alongside best on ground Harriet Kogler, were pivotal in securing the win for the home side.
Monash University U17.5 Boys Division 1
Mordialloc-Braeside 20.15.135 def. East Sandringham Rovers 1.7.13
In a dominant display of skill, Mordialloc-Braeside faced the East Sandringham Rovers at Gerry Green Reserve, the first game of Monash University U17.5 Boys Division 1 Round 9. Standout performances across the park from William Reeves, Max Sullivan, Oliver McKenzie, Hudson Wright, Fletch Johnston, Oliver Del Rio, and Hamish McDonald surged the home side towards an emphatic victory.
East Brighton Vampires 12.5.77 def. Bentleigh 6.7.43
East Brighton Vampires welcomed Bentleigh to Hurlingham Park, with the home side looking to remain hot on the tails of ladder leaders AJAX. The Vampires commenced strongly, surging to an early 11-point lead. The second term saw the Vampires intensify their assault, piling on another 5 goals through Connor Tyler, Oliver DiCrosta and William Chilcott, their efforts establishing a comfortable 37-point margin. Bentleigh struggled to respond and find their footing, adding just one major score to their total. With the main break offering an opportunity to regroup, Bentleigh displayed signs of a comeback, with goals from Thomas Washington and a secure defensive showing reducing their deficit to 25 points. Despite this, the Vampires maintained their momentum into the final term, illustrating intuitive game management to add another 3 goals and walk away 34 point winners at the final siren.
Prahran JFC 8.6.54 def. by Waverley Park Hawks 10.5.65
An in-form Waverley Park side travelled to Como Park to face Prahran, with both sides looking to replicate their narrow victories in Round 8. Prahran struck first, taking an early 8-point lead with 2.4 in the opening quarter to Waverley Park Hawks’ 1.2. Acting as a wakeup call for the visitors, Waverley Park retaliated fiercely in the second term, reversing the lead with an assertive 5.2, bringing the halftime score to 32-22 in favour of the Hawks. A similar story prevailed in the third quarter, with Waverley Park continuing their dominant performance and extending their lead to 29 points, attributable to the precision and relentless pressure of Cooper Negrepontis, Nikolas Christodolou, and William Rice. With the game seemingly out of their grasp, Prahran refused to give in, setting the stage for a nail-biting final quarter. Unleashing an explosive offensive lead by Otto Langtry-Kierce, Alfie Kidman, Angus Taylor, and Roman Nuttall, Prahran racked up four quick goals to bring the margin inside two kicks with minutes left to play. Despite their valiant efforts, Waverley Park’s early established lead proved too steep to overcome, with a single major score enough to seal an 11-point win.
St Bedes/Mentone Tigers 6.6.42 def. by AJAX 8.4.52
In another electrifying encounter, St Bedes/Mentone Tigers squared off against AJAX at Mentone Reserve, a match that showcased collective determination and individual talent. AJAX took charge early, converting 3 clinical goals in the first quarter to St Bedes/Mentone’s mere 3 behinds, setting the tone with a 15-point lead. Sparked by the individual brilliance of Oliver Griffin, the Tigers found their rhythm in the second term with 4.3, establishing their first lead of the game. The third quarter intensified as AJAX regained their lead, scoring 3 further goals whilst St Bedes/Mentone could only post a single behind, opening an 11-point lead for the visitors. In a dramatic final quarter, St Bedes/Mentone continued to fight valiantly, adding another 2 goals through the proficient Oliver Griffin, propelled by the efforts of Luca Scott, William Mazzeo, Keanu Nadji, Mitchell Reed, and Hudson Jongen. Yet, AJAX’s Bailey Nussbaum could not be contained as he rounded out a 5 goal performance of his own, sealing a 10 point victory at Home. Another impressive win for AJAX retains their pole position on the Monash University U17.5 Boys Division 1 Ladder.
