WSL2 - Report by Alex Steere

With a few late scratchings, it was looking like we would have to face MC a player down, until Sheridan stepped in from SL3 to bolster numbers. It might have been strategic that we didn’t tell her ahead of time that SL2 plays actual time quarters! In a gripping encounter that showcased moments of brilliance and resolve, Essendon fell to MC with a final score of 11-21. Despite a spirited effort and flashes of skill, the team struggled with crucial foul troubles and a slow start that ultimately proved costly. Essendon's performance began sluggishly, as MC capitalized on early opportunities to take a commanding lead. The first quarter ended with Essendon trailing 2-6. Despite the efforts of key players, including Alex, who scored from a penalty, the team struggled to find its rhythm. In the second quarter, Essendon showed signs of improvement. The team rallied to score 3 goals against MC's 1, with standout performances from both Sheridan and Mietta. Sheridan's excellent cross-cage goal and Mietta’s classic scrappy finish, battling through three defenders, brought the score to a more respectable 5-7 at halftime. The third quarter was marked by Essendon's best period of the game. The team's cohesion and attacking play brought them closer, as they managed to outscore MC 5-4. Alex provided a crucial assist to Phoebe, who scored from the post, putting us within a goal at 11-10. However, the quarter was marred by foul issues. Maria was rolled on three fouls late in the quarter, affecting team dynamics and strategy. The final quarter saw more challenges for Essendon, already down to six players. Ash too was rolled on three fouls, which compounded the team’s difficulties now down to 5 players, particularly given the absence of a coach and a bench. Despite their best efforts, Essendon could not stop MC from extending their lead, finishing the game strongly.

Essendon were defeated by Melbourne Collegians : 11 - 21

Goals : Alex 3, Maria 3, Mietta 2, Phoebe 2, Sheridan 1

WSL3 - Report by Lisa Murray-Segal

Once again, we struggled for numbers this week. Around 6pm it looked like we'd have 10 on the card, so we donated Sheridan to play up in the 2s, as they only had 6. Then we lost a player to illness and started the game with just the one spare, against the young junior combo team, devoid of it's Essendon girls probably due to the late 9pm start time. We'd beaten this side 13-4 at our last encounter, but we had all our players on deck including Sandra, Taryn, Isablle and now Sher - all unavailable for this clash. So the rest of us needed to step up. Clare did the swimups, and swapped in and out of CF to create some movement in front of goal. LisaMS, Georgia and Heidi too made their way to CF to mix things up a bit, trying to get our shooters on weaker players around the wings. Clare and Meg opened our account in the first quarter with some nice shots, but the Juniors put away 4, as stand-in goalie LisaAs got her hands to plenty more. The second quarter was much the same, but we only managed a single through Clare, and they added another 4. The halftime break saw us down 3-8. We were struggling with the swimming, and our defence got sloppy. Turnovers meant goals for the Juniors, and despite our numerous shots - struggled to get them on target. The second half wasn't much better. In the third, LisaMS finally managed to get one in, and Hannah shot her first ever goal!~ But the juniors continued to take advantage of our poor defensive coverage, throwing 3 for the term which ended at 5-11. With everyone tiring, Polina, Clare and Heidi were still creating white water up the pool but we were too slow to get the ball up, or our accuracy left alot to be desired. Our final goal came through Hannah - not content with a single debut shot. A challenging game that exposed a number of areas we need to improve on.

Essendon were defeated by Essendon/Monash/NYPD/DVEA : 6 - 14

Goals : Clare 2, Hannah 2, Meg 1, LisaMS 1

MSL4 - Report by Michael Venosta

In a clash beneath the waters where the strong and swift did vie,

Essendon faced Geelong in a contest fierce and spry.

Geelong, with youthful spirit, surged forth with a mighty roar,

And from the first they led us, leaving us to chase once more.

The second quarter saw us striving with all our heart and might,

Yet despite our valiant efforts, we were outswum in the fight.

Kick-outs were our undoing, a costly error in our play,

As Geelong’s young and lively lads kept us all at bay.

Ryan and Lee, those nimble sharks, found the net with steady hand,

While Ambrose and Callum added goals to Essendon's grandstand.

We fought with grit and passion, but the tide was not our own,

And Geelong’s quick and wily crew left us feeling overthrown.

So here’s to the next encounter, where we’ll sharpen up our game,

And perhaps, on the morrow, we'll earn a different name.

But for now, we tip our hats to those who proved their might and skill,

In the grand and watery battle next time we will get our fill.

Essendon were defeated by the Geelong Marlins : 6 - 11

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