WSL2 - Report by the SL2 team

Essendon came out firing in our clash against Footscray, delivering a dominant 21–1 victory and showing just how well we can execute as a team. From the first whistle, we maintained control, sticking to our game plan and working seamlessly together both in attack and defence. Alex was in incredible form, putting away seven goals and leading the charge up front. Emmy also delivered a standout performance, converting crucial chances and combining brilliantly with Alex to capitalise on our extra-player situations. Footscray played a surprisingly physical game, but Essendon’s composure and skill proved too much for them to handle. A highlight was our efficient use of extra-man opportunities — something we’ve been focusing on in training. After working hard to draw exclusions and even getting a Footscray player rolled at halftime, we used the second half to practice our extra-man attack, executing set plays with precision. Coach Darren summed it up perfectly: “We set up a plan, and we executed the plan.” Defensively, we were rock-solid, allowing Footscray just a single goal for the entire match. We shut down their fast breaks quickly and supported each other brilliantly across the pool, making it near-impossible for them to find space. The atmosphere was fantastic, with plenty of cheering from the bench and the stands. It was also great to see such a strong turnout of Essendon players, giving us plenty of options and fresh energy throughout the game. This was a huge team effort, and the result speaks for itself. A dominant win, valuable extra-man practice, and a big confidence boost as we look ahead to the rest of the season.

Essendon defeated Footscray : 21 - 1  

Goals : Alex 7, Emmy 4, Emily 3, Claudia 2, Phoebe 2, Olivia 1, Bene 1, Gen 1

WSL3 - Report by Lisa Murray-Segal

This week's game signified the last match in the registration year, and for some of our girls, their final club game. We had Sheridan, Heidi, Stephanie and Polina all deciding to take a break from the sport having already lost Taryn and Caitlin earlier in the year. But with a few girls unavailable, we managed just 8 players against the ladder leaders - Monash. And it was clear from the get go, they would be looking to remain on top and boost their percentage. The girls swam and worked hard all game, but Monash had the speed and skill. We put together some good passages of play, but struggled to convert when chances arose, and our passes let us down under pressure causing turnovers and easy goals for Monash. We didn't manage to score until the last minute of the game, when Sandra came out of the cage (as she had done previously) to give us 7 on 6 in front of goal, and then taking the shot herself to get us on the board. We still need some work on the basics, like keeping possession and fouling, as well as pool balance. With a bit more training and confidence, I'm sure a win is just around the corner.

A BIG THANKYOU to those ladies departing the squad - we'd love to see you back soon!

Essendon were defeated by Monash : 1 - 15   Goals : Sandra 1

MSL4 - Report by Riccardo Bianchini

A great victory this week, played from start to finish with intensity and above all as a team. We started strong from the first half and even though we went behind immediately, we recovered without losing our composure, closing the first half with a lead. We quickly understood who their most dangerous player was and, as a united team, we helped each other to shut down every shot he could throw at us. Leading by a goal at quarter time, we took that lead into the second and third quarters, building it consistently to 9 - 4. In the fourth and final quarter, we continued to push with deadly counterattacks that allowed us to close the fourth quarter shooting 5 goals to their 2. I want to congratulate all 13 players. I don't like to talk about individuals because today everyone gave 100% when they were in the water, and that's the most important thing for the rest of the championship. I am convinced that Essendon is the team to beat in SL4 this season. We have faced and drawn with the strongest teams, and now if we continue with this intensity, every game we will be difficult to beat. The way we defended today must be our strong point for the future. The team with the best defense wins matches and championships, and it has always been like this, also because we are very strong in attack, having 9/10 players who can score every match.

Essendon defeated Ajax : 14 - 6 

Goals : Ryan 3, Lee 3, Ambrose 2, Riccardo 2, Liam 1, Luke 1, Callum 1, Vince 1

12&U Mixed 

Footscray/Essendon were defeated by Richmond : 6 - 8  Goals : TBC

14&U Girls - Report by Amber Mink

It was an early game at 8 am against Melbourne Collegians. We had heaps of warm-up time as we all showed up early and eager to play. We started off with strong defence from both sides – no one managed to score and the scoreboard stayed at 0–0.

In the second quarter, Maddie slotted a goal and we ended the quarter just behind MC with the score at 1–2. The third quarter saw a comeback from Violet, levelling us at 2–2, until MC scored again and the quarter closed at 2–3.

The fourth and final quarter had everyone holding their breath! The ball zipped from end to end like a non-stop tennis rally, keeping the tension sky-high. Our lack of goal precision saw us finish with a 3–5 loss (thanks to Maddie for that extra goal), but we’re all so proud of our strong defence and the outstanding performance we put in throughout the match.

Essendon/Geelong were defeated by Melbourne Collegians : 3 - 5 Goals : TBC

Below : 14&U girls lining up for the start of their game (photo courtesy of Sandra Mink-Grobbe)

14&U Boys - Report by Bec Kirby

The team of many clubs came together once again, with the newly workshopped name "Northscraydon" and after losing to Richmond at our last meeting, our boys had a score to settle. Richmond fired the first shot and although our goalie got his fingers to it, it wasn't enough to stop the goal. We responded with a hit and a miss, which seemed to be our fate for the quarter - shots at goal but no net. We finished the first quarter down 3. The second quarter started and we were making the Richmond boys work, winding down their shot clock each time. A penalty shot for Richmond resulted in an epic save by our goalie and our boys were charged up and firing. But alas, we couldn't find the back of the net in the second either and finished the quarter 6 nil. The third quarter saw lots of action, with goals on the buzzer, a comical falcon which turned the ball over and many shots at goal that sailed over or bounced off the posts. We scored our first goal and Richmond scored 4 more, ending the quarter 1-10. The final quarter started with a penalty goal to us, followed by another hit and miss. Richmond peppered the goals and we witnessed some amazing defensive work by our goalie, but despite his gallant efforts, Richmond managed to sneak a few past him. We responded with renewed energy and attacked the ball, scoring 2 more goals before the final whistle. Our boys stayed strong and battled to the very end and we are so proud to cheer them on from the pool deck!

Bring on DVE in the finals this weekend!

Northcote/Footscray/Essendon were defeated by Richmond : 3 - 14 Goals : TBC

Yth Boys 

Northcote/DVE Aquatic/Essendon were defeated by Melbourne Collegians Blue : 2 - 14 Goals : TBC