WSL2 - Report by Torben Fink-Jensen

A top of the table clash this week as we played table co-leaders Richmond Black. Both teams had the bare minimum 7 players which meant we were going to have a tiring night against a Richmond team where they always tend to be good swimmers. During the first quarter, Mietta scored our first two goals in quick time. Essendon were quickly into their rhythm. But Richmond slowly forced their way back in, scoring at the end of the term with Essendon leading 2-1 at the break. During the second quarter, Essendon started to lose momentum as Richmond began to find their swimming legs and got a few breaks which we struggled to close down, finishing at 2-4 by halftime. In the third, the differences became a bit more pronounced as Richmond started swimming away from us. Mietta was kicked out after her third major foul late in the quarter, in contentious circumstances as she let her player go and then came back around through the front gate to prevent the goal which was still considered a 5m infringement by the ref, although the umpires clearly had a long conversation afterwards to discuss whether this was the correct call. So it was 3-9. During the final quarter Essendon played well with 6 players on 7 only letting in one goal to an overlap before getting a Richmond player fouled out to make it 6 on 6. Our attacks weren't able to deliver any goals however and Richmond managed a few more to seal the game.

Essendon defeated the NYP Dragons : 4 - 13   Goals : Mietta 2, Emmy 1, Maria 1

WSL3 - Editor

This week the girls had a scheduled bye, so players could enjoy a night in and an early bedtime! Next week they will come up against ladder leaders Monash.

MSL4 - Report by Hayden Woods

This week’s showdown against DVE Aquatic was a rollercoaster of intensity, strategy, and brotherhood - a game that slipped through our fingers in the final moments, but not without showing the strength of the team we’ve become. Right from the start, we set the tone. Our defence held firm, repelling wave after wave with grit and composure. Every player locked in, every moment counted. Ryan led the charge up front, netting a clinical three goals, while Matt L backed him up with two of his own. Ambrose, Vincent, Lee, and Riccardo each added one to the tally — proof that this team fires from all cylinders. We held the lead for nearly the entire match, refusing to give DVE an inch. But with just 30 seconds on the clock, they managed to sneak in an equaliser, forcing a 9–9 draw. It wasn’t the finish we wanted - but if this game proved anything, it’s that we’re a team built on resilience, unity, and pride in the cap we wear.

Essendon drew with DVE Aquatic : 9 - 9  

Goals : Ryan 3, MattL 2, Ambrose 1, Vincent 1, Lee 1, Riccardo 1

12&U Mixed 

Footscray/Essendon defeated Northcote : 7 - 5  Goals : TBC

14&U Girls - Editor

This week the girls had a scheduled bye, with some players enjoying a school snow camp! The girls will have to be up for an early game this weekend, as they take on Melbourne Collegians at 8am!

14&U Boys - Report by Bec Kirby

Week 4 started with a bang for the mighty Northcote / Footscray / Essendon under 14's boys - a quick goal, an intercept, another goal. An epic pass that defied physics and a catch so solid we had to check his hand for glue. The energy continued throughout the quarter and we went into the break 4-1 up. DVE came out firing for the start of the second quarter with a goal, followed closely by a penalty goal. We stayed focussed and peppered the goalie with shots, but could not find the back of the net. A spectacular save by our goalie ended the half 4-3.There must have been some inspirational words from the coaches at half time, because the third term saw our boys put 4 on the board, whilst keeping DVE to 1. We managed to find a corner of the net their goalie couldn't defend, and shot after shot sailed past his hands. We glimpsed some magic with a smother - pass - goal combination and ended the third 8-4. The fourth quarter came and our boys really tried it on - with a massive goal from the centre of the pool starting us off. DVE answered with one of their own but we fired back with a lofty throw from our defensive half that sailed past everyone and found our lucky corner at the back of the net. Overall, the boys should be really proud of their efforts today - they are starting to really come together as a team. The confidence is building along with the skills, and I for one am very excited to see how far this blended team of champions can go.

Northcote/Footscray/Essendon defeated DVE Aquatic : 11 - 6 Goals : TBC

Yth Boys - Editor

This week the boys had a scheduled bye, but will be back in action this weekend as they take on Melbourne Collegians Blue.