WSL2 - Report by Torben Fink-Jensen

Essendon turned up with 13 players this week out of a squad of 14 with just goalie Kate unavailable, leaving Lara to be "volun-told" into goalkeeper. NYP were able to bring 9 to the contest. With the addition of Annie LeFoe and Katie Bruce, Essendon have created depth and breadth across the field, and this was obvious tonight when we celebrated Olivia's birthday by steamrolling a slightly weaker than normal NYP 22-6, a bit of a runaway where previous games brought closer results. Essendon took some good teamwork in from the Albury tournament, and were in control from the beginning, and before half way through the quarter were up 5-0. NYP slowed the scoring down but only marginally as the quarter ended 6-1 in Essendon's favour.  It was clear in the pool that Essendon were putting pressure on, preventing NYP's drives, grabbing turnovers, then using strength at CF from Phoebe and Gen K to score goals. Lara wasn't letting anything in at the goal end, and putting in some good saves against the shots she faced.The pressure stayed on in the 2nd quarter - the goals were slower to come but the defence was as strong as before. Eventually in the back end of the quarter we started to make an impact on the score sheet and the half time score was 9-2. The goals started flowing in the third as NYP were tiring and Essendon moved out to a 13-4 lead, before coming home with a wet sail for a 22-6 finish. Annie was strong around the pool for her 4 goals, Phoebe matched that with some strong stints at Centre Forward, and almost everyone else netted at least one in a fantastic all-round team performance. In all my years of watching Essendon play (since 2015), this would have been the strongest Women's performance I've seen. Bring on the finals! 

Essendon defeated the NYP Dragons : 22 - 6    

Goals : Annie 4, Phoebe 4, Alex 3, Mietta 3, Gen 2, Maria 1, Emmy 1, Bene 1, Emily 1, Claudia 1, Olivia 1

Below : our WSL2 side in action (photos courtesy of Torben Fink-Jensen, see more on our FB page)

WSL3 - Report by Lisa Murray-Segal

After 3 weeks off, it was nice to be poolside again, and with warmer conditions.  Up against ladder leaders Monash, we knew this game would be tough and a likely blowout in the scoreline. The girls were excited to welcome a new player to the squad, in former Modern Pentathlon Olympian, Genevieve.  With 3 on the bench, things started slowly for both sides.  The ball changed directions with multiple missed shots for around 3 mins until Monash hit the back of the net.  But it didn't take long for us to set up a good stretch of play, with a quick pass to Megan on the wing for a nice angled goal.  Monash came back with another, before we ended the quarter at 1-2.  The second term was similar, with both sides getting good set ups and plays without converting.  Monash broke the ice first with a goal, but again we had Megan on the wing slotting in another to go into the halftime break at 2-3.  Wow.  We surprised ourselves!  With more determination, we tackled the third quarter but Monash came at us hard.  Our defence got sloppy at times, with 4 Monash girls on a break against a sole defender and goalie. We struggled to create space in attack, and crowding created easy intercepts for Monash and turnover goals.  They put away 4 for the quarter, but we managed 2, with Sandra coming out of the cage, swimming down and hitting the top corner, and Megan shooting strongly again slotting her third. Down 4-7 at three quarter time, we were more focused going into the final 6mins.  Tighten our defence, stay one-on-one, spread out in attack and look for better opportunities or have a shot.  We chipped away at Monash, with Kerrie lobbing one over the goalie's head, then Amber managed a quick shot that crossed the line and suddenly we were 6-7 with a couple of minutes left.  Monash went into panic mode and knuckled down quickly to reply with a goal.  It was tense stuff as Gen passed the ball into Sheridan at CF, and a grab, shuffle and throw later we had another, now 7-8.  But Monash had the last meaningful play, making the margin safe with a final goal.  The closest we have come to a win for 12mths - the girls did a great job against the top side.  It gives us some confidence and something to work towards next week!

Essendon were defeated by Monash : 7 - 9   

Goals : Megan 3, Sandra 1, Kerrie 1, Amber 1, Sheridan 1

Below : our WSL3 side in action (photos courtesy of Torben Fink-Jensen, see more on our FB page)

MSL4 - Report by Ryan Mills

The Water Rats showed a much-improved performance this week despite going down to a strong Geelong Marlins side, 6-8. The team looked more composed in attack and showed far better defensive structure compared to last round. Matt was outstanding in goals, pulling off several key saves to keep us in the match. Paul set the tone early with a great turn that earned a 5-meter penalty, and a big thanks goes to Bryan for stepping in to coach on the night.

We learned a few valuable lessons to take into next week:

We need to drop back on their center forward — never front him again.

Force the ball to their weakest shooter and trust our defense to handle it.

Slow the play down and focus on safe, accurate passing rather than rushing possession.

Plenty of positives to build on and the belief is growing — great effort all around, Rats! 🐀💪

Essendon were defeated by the Geelong Marlins : 6 - 8    

Goals : Ryan 3, Ambrose 1, Lee 1, Vince 1

MSL5 - Report by Bryan Wee

With a full team in SL4, Matty Roberts and Bryan Wee were relegated to the SL5 Monash team. A new joint team for those who don’t make the cut. This week the team faced a surge team. Bryan was hyped. This was the club that literary blinded him last time, and not with brilliance. Things were looking grim and the first quarter saw the Essennash team down 0-2. The goals were peppered but without joy. The second quarter saw a bit of a come back and at half time we were 2-3. No thanks to a disallowed Matty R goal. It was a brilliant pass to left handed shot from the corner. But alas not to be. Fortunately the team came back in the second half and clawed back from 6-7 to 7-7 and snatched the win in the last minute at 8-7! Victory to the forces of good!

Monash/Essendon defeated Melbourne Surge Sapphire : 8 - 7    

Goals : Bryan 5, Conor 2, Jonas 1

12&U Mixed (Editor)

The first 3 rounds of this competition, will be clinics run by Water Polo Victoria, largely to assist all the new players in understanding the rules, and getting used to playing matches. Also a great opportunity for our players to mingle with those from other clubs, some of which they met during our Winter Invitational. Back for more this Sunday, with a much smaller group this time, just Essendon, Geelong and the NYP Dragons.

14&U Boys - Report by Jamie Kirby

It was the first coming together of the Footscray/Essendon/Monash/Northcote boys team - some familiar faces from winter comp, returning players and debutants making for a good mix of talents. Coming up against DVE, our opposition was intense from the start. Good ball movement and solid team work left our boys with work to do, 0-3 down at quarter time. The team talk and sips of water must have been magic - after the first break the team jelled, intensity lifted and confidence grew. Defence was organised and fierce, clawing back a goal for 1-3 at half time. The same fierce defence continued, clawing back another goal for 2-3 at three quarter time. The crowd was on the edge of their seats and loud! The struggle continued in the 4th quarter, and with 2 minutes left a 1-on-1 with the keeper tied the game at 3-3!  Pushing for the win, the courageous effort from the boys to come back took its toll, with DVE scoring 2 late goals for a 3-5 result.  Ollie was outstanding as goalkeeper, keeping our boys in the game.

Footscray/Essendon/Monash/Northcote were defeated by DVE Aquatic : 3 - 5    

Goals : Lukas 2, Ashton 1

14&U Girls (Editor)

No game for the girls this week, with a scheduled BYE, but they will play two games next weekend, up against Melbourne Collegians, then Monash.

Youth Boys (Jack) - Report by Ilona Elmore

New year, new team! Jack has joined the DVE youth boys team for this season. Having been away for all of the school holidays, we met the team for the first time on the pool concourse. He knew a few of the kids from previous tournaments and academy sessions, but it was still a little daunting. The instructions were simple: follow the coach’s directions closely and focus on understanding the game structure. Jack started the game with the swim-up. He did well getting to the ball first but was narrowly pipped in the contest. While learning a new defensive structure, he held his own, and by the second quarter, he had understood his assignment and kept the pressure on. By then, he was starting to tire but continued to push hard. After halftime, Jack moved into a more offensive role. Richmond were starting to get frustrated, and a couple of their kick-outs allowed DVE to maintain control of the game. Jack set up a couple of goals with smart assists, and then, capitalising on his opponent’s frustration, he earned a penalty shot—which he converted beautifully.  It was the first game back, and the lack of match fitness was starting to show for everyone. Jack missed a couple of shots, and by midway through the fourth quarter, he was clearly feeling the burn.  In the end, DVE secured a comfortable win. The smile on Jack’s face after beating such a well-drilled side would have made Darren Steere proud. There’s still plenty to learn and areas to improve, but his commitment and the work put in at early-morning academy sessions are already showing. It’s shaping up to be an exciting season for this DVE team—with Jack adding real energy and promise

DVE(Essendon) defeated Richmond Yellow : 8 - 2

Youth Boys (Timo) 

Northcote(Essendon) defeated Monash : 20 - 1

Youth Girls (Editor)

No game for the girls this week, with a scheduled BYE, but they will play two games next weekend, up against Richmond Black, then Richmond Yellow.

Junior Men - report by Felix Neal

This week's game was a tough opening match against a strong Richmond side. However the team proved they were up to the challenge coming out strong and leading 4-3 at the half. The second half was back and forth but ultimately our DVE side took home the win by a goal.

DVE(Essendon) defeated Richmond Black : 8 - 7