WSL2 (Editor)

This week's game didn't eventuate, with Footscray unable to field and team, and a forfeit called.

Essendon defeated Footscray : 8 - 0   

WSL3 - Report by Lisa Murray-Segal

With the WSL2 team being notified of a forfeit, they generously offered us players to top up our group if we needed them. From our list of 14, we had 10 confirmed, so opted to include one SL2 player to give ourselves a good bench - welcome Phoebe! Up against NYP, we hoped to improve on our defence and pool postitioning in attack after our efforts last week needed some work. Things started slowly, as both teams struggled to get into some form, with wide shots and poor passing resulting in plenty of directional changes. NYP hit the mark first and we went into the break down 0-1. Both sides managed to find their mojo in the second, with some better passages of play. Phoebe was a great asset in CF, but we were still crowding the forward line and struggled to get passes in with defenders cutting off the supply. In defence, we struggled to man-up particularly on the turnovers, with players unaware their opposition were halfway down the pool. By halftime we were down 0-4. Again, we talked about giving ourselves space, about being more accountable in defence, and having a shot if we had a decent opening. Our second half was much better, but a real mix of highs and lows. Gen continued to win our swim ups, Phoebe put away 2 goals and Kerrie was like a dog with a bone in defence, with a couple of great turnovers when a shot was on the cards. LisaAs did an admiral job in goals and it was good to have Sally back after a long absence. Sher worked tirelessly around the pool with Amber and Hannah continuing to swim and reposition themselves up forward. Cate and Piper worked hard all night and LisaMS made good use of the bench. NYP scored 4 goals to our 2 in the second half, so we made some inroads, but still need work on our attacking set up, and turnover coverage.

Essendon were defeated by the NYP Dragons : 2 - 8    Goals : Phoebe 2

MSL4 - Report by Callum Bruce (1st time contributor - Giddy Up!)

🏇 The Essendon Express Gallops to Glory Against Surge Obsidian 🏁

Under the bright lights and churning waters, the whistle blew and the race was on — Essendon bursting from the gates like thoroughbreds at full stride, leaving Surge Obsidian splashing in their wake. Early in the first quarter, Surge Obsidian looked set to make an early charge, but Andrew, cool as a seasoned jockey, pulled off a heroic save on a 5-meter penalty, shutting the gate just as our rivals thought they’d found an opening. The crowd roared — the momentum had bolted firmly into Essendon’s reins. From there, Callum surged ahead of the field. Not once, but twice he thundered down the lane, slotting two incredible goals that had the spectators gasping. His second was pure magic — as if he’d warped time itself, letting fly a shot after the buzzer that somehow found the back of the net. The officials may have blinked, but everyone knew they’d just witnessed something supernatural. Ryan rode a strong, consistent race all match — darting through traffic, holding position, and keeping the rhythm steady for the team. His relentless pace and smart plays made sure the opposition never got back on their hooves. Matt found daylight mid-race, slipping through defenders and netting a clean goal, while Vincent unleashed a beauty that would’ve been goal-of-the-night — only for the referees to wave it off. The crowd groaned, but the effort kept Essendon galloping with confidence. As the final horn sounded, there was no photo finish needed — Essendon crossed the line in commanding fashion, their lead unchallenged and their performance pure horsepower.

The Essendon Express had arrived, and Surge Obsidian could only watch as the champions trotted off into the sunset — soaked, smiling, and utterly victorious.

Essendon defeated Melbourne Surge Obsidian : 12 - 3   

Goals : Ryan 3, Callum 2, Ambrose 1, Paul 1, MattL1, MattR 1, Riccardo 1, Hayden 1

MSL5 (Editor)

The combined Monash/Essendon team had a scheduled BYE this week, but will be up against the Melbourne Collegian Chiefs next week.

12&U Mixed (Editor)

This week was the final round of clinics being run by Water Polo Victoria, at Hawthorn. Next week is a scheduled break across all teams in the Junior Competition, due to the Canberra Cup tournament, that many Victorian juniors compete in. So games will commence for the 12&U mixed sides on Novemeber 9.

14&U Boys - Report by Jamie Kirby

Tough rainy conditions this week at the Hawthorn pool with our combined club team up against top of the ladder Richmond Black.  Playing with no subs and key players injured/ill, this was going to be a challenge! Our keeper was tested a number of times and the boys defended extremely bravely to be 0-3 at quarter time. Richmond dominated the 2nd quarter, extending their lead to 0-8. However, the boys never dropped their heads! This team always seems to lift after half time, and controlled periods in the 3rd quarter. Our best opportunities of the match so far, forcing some big saves from Richmond. The scoreline read 0-11 at the end of the third. The boys were tired, but kept pushing hard. A great passage of play lead to Ashton getting behind the defence, a great pass by Lucas, panicked defending as the shot was ready to be taken - penalty! Lucas converted for a great confidence boost in the last quarter.

Footscray/Essendon/Monash/Northcote were defeated by Richmond Black : 1 - 14  Goals : Lucas 1

14&U Girls (Editor)

The girls have a scheduled BYE this week, and the following week off too, with no games scheduled due to the Canberra Cup. Their next double game match day will be November 9.

Youth Boys - Report by Ilona Elmore

DVE (Jack) came up against Northcote (Timo) this week in a clash of Essendon’s U16 boys.

I’ll admit — with a cap on, I barely recognised Timo! He’s grown a lot since last season. Jack assured me he played well, and the two even matched up for a quarter against each other.

DVE are a strong, driving side, able to move the ball quickly down the pool and finish with power. Northcote are a quality club, and the score didn’t quite reflect the intensity of the contest.

Jack turned up ready to play, showing some of his best defensive work yet. After struggling with his eggbeater last season, Rowie Webster’s fixed it during WPV academy session— he’s noticeably higher out of the water and confidently plucking balls out of the air.

In the end, DVE’s quick transitions and relentless drive proved too strong, taking the chocolates.

DVE(Essendon) defeated Northcote(Essendon) : 16 - 2

Youth Girls (Editor)

The girls have a scheduled BYE this week, and the following week off too, with no games scheduled due to the Canberra Cup. The team's next double game match day will be November 9.

Best of luck to our 4 players heading off to compete in the Canberra Cup - Amber, Amrit, Lola and Lucy!

Junior Men (Editor)

This week's game didn't eventuate, with Richmond unable to field a team.

DVE(Essendon) defeated Richmond Yellow : 8 - 0 (Forfeit)