WSL2 - Report by Darren Steere

The last couple of weeks have seen us with a full 13 girls or near enough to. This week we faced Monash Uni, who very close to game time didn’t look like having a team. But right on start time they did and the game got underway. The weather was perfect for waterpolo, warm and not a breath of wind. And a shootout began in the first quarter. We worked hard to get the ball into CF where Gen made the most of it, scoring 3 and Alex helping herself to 2. Monash on the other hand, had their shooting radar on from the perimeter. So a close start ended at 6 - 5. The reffing altered in the second quarter, causing our CF to turn the ball over on suspect calls. This slowed our scoring down, while Monash were still pinging them in from long range. Our only goal coming from Lara. The score could have been a lot worse, but for Katie having another blinder in goals : 6 - 9. We changed tactics at halftime, in an effort to stop their outside shooting.  We went from an M defence into a full press and to the girls credit we pulled the game back onto our terms. This change unsettled Monash and allowed us to counter attack. Goals to Gen and Alex, was only answered by a flick over a Monash attacker’s shoulder while facing away from goals that landed in the back of the net. Closing the gap at 8 - 10. Half way in the last quarter, we got a Monash girl out on three majors and they were now a player down. We desperately attacked with another two to Gen who had a great game at CF. Ando rewarded herself with a goal, after doing alot of the grunt work all game. But the highlight goal belonged to Mietta, she accepted a pass from Lara in an extra man move we have practiced for two seasons. While we lost the game, I was pleased that we could change tactics mid game.

Essendon was defeated by Monash : 12 - 14    Goals : Gen 6, Alex 3, LisaAndo 1, Mietta 1, Lara 1

WSL3 - Report by Lisa Murray-Segal

This week was another official BYE for the WSL3 team (their third in this comp). So their final game for this competititon, will be played next week against StCaths. The girls will celebrate the season with dinner out following the game... and you never know, might add a win to that party! 🤞🏻

MSL4 

Report by Hayden Woods

A slightly understrength Essendon team faced off against a well stocked and youthful Geelong Marlins team on Thursday night.  Some of the team thought that they may have accidentally stumbled upon an entire Uni Games tournament, however given that none of the opposition appeared drunk and / or hungover the realisation crept in that this was the opposition for the night, and were key title competitors at 2nd on the ladder.  Prior to the game, Richmond - the other top 2 contender - drew their game, giving the Essendon team hope that they may have a small points buffer.   Essendon started out strongly, dominating the play and the scoreboard with proceedings kicked off by a brutal backhand goal by Lucas from centre forward, with Essendon up by 3 at the first change.  Then the Silver Fox said the words no-one should ever say  - 'it's yours to lose from here boys'.  By half time Geelong had worked their way back into the game, and while Essendon still held a 2 goal lead at the major break it was clear that it was not going to be a one sided affair.   The 3rd quarter went all Geelong's way on the scoreboard with the opposition piling on 4 goals to nil, however things were actually tighter in the pool.  Several unlucky misses from 5m penalties and up close proved costly, and elevated pressure from Geelong caused loose passes to be intercepted and their superior bench numbers and appalling youth providing plenty of speed on the counter attack breaks, sometimes leaving courageous goaltender Andrew with 3 to beat.    The final quarter was an arm wrestle, with Ambrose slamming one home after a long range pass from Haydo hit the mark not enough to turn the tide and the kids from G-Town took the honours.   Lots of positives to take away from the game, and Essendon are still looking good for a strong finals tilt.  

Report by Andrew Cover

It was always going to be a nail-biter - the top 2 teams striving to beat their nearest rival to claim glory… in the second-last game of the season matches before finals. The first quarter started on fire - great swim-up by Lee and fast goal by Lucas. Defending was strong and Geelong looked flustered. A 3-0 lead at the first break gave us confidence and left Geelong a little rattled. The 2nd quarter saw much of the same… and if only we stayed on this path. By half time Essendon were in the lead 5-3, and things were looking good. Half time saw referees telling both teams that any lip or language back to them would result in a red card… so things had been heated to say the least! The 3rd quarter turned ot to be our sore turning point. Be it a loss of focus, a change in dynamic, false hope or some greater force. Geelong managed 4 goals in the quarter with Essendon not being able to find the back of the net, they took the lead going into the last 5-7. The final quarter saw Essendon re-group a little - but things did not end in our favour. Overall we played well - but just didn’t manage sharp passes and goal conversions when needing to, leaving a fire in our belly for retribution on the 1-2 finals play-off in 2 weeks.

Essendon were defeated by the Geelong Marlins : 6 - 9 

Goals : Ryan 2, Lee 2, Lucas 1, Ambrose 1

Youth Boys - Report by Felix Neal

This weekend was the second to last game of the season and we had trouble early with Richmond Yellow scoring two goals in the first quarter. The second quarter was highlighted by a huge push from the whole team drawing 2-2 at the half. The third and fourth quarters were quite ebb but with some unlucky penalty calls Richmond Black pulled through to take the game.

Essendon was defeated by the Richmond Tigers Yellow : 5 - 10    Goals : TBC

14&U Boys - Report by Tim Elmore

Due to a few last-minute withdrawals on Sunday, we found ourselves two players short, officially making the match a forfeit. Thanks to the flexibility and cooperation of the coaching staff at DVE, it was decided to balance the teams and organize a scratch match. This provided an excellent opportunity for all participants to play and allowed our players to experience different combinations and teamwork dynamics. The final score saw Essendon 4 narrowly defeated by DVE 6. Despite the unexpected circumstances, it was a valuable and enjoyable game for everyone involved.

Essendon was defeated by DVE Aquatic : 0 - 8 (FORFEIT)