Women's A Grade - Report by Torben Fink-Jensen

Richmond started with 6 players vs our 9, making us hopeful we could get a headstart on them. Unfortunately their 7th player arrived pretty quickly, but we hoped our 2 subs would prove their worth in the 2nd half. Richmond's first two goals were from perimeter shots where their players weren't put under enough pressure. Then a 3rd came from their CF getting around her marker. Essendon were finally able to claw one back through Alex before Richmond closed the quarter with one more, seeing us 1 - 4 down.

Darren felt like he needed to wake up a few players which he did before the 2nd quarter, and Essendon came alive, led by Emmy with a trademark goal from the wing, and Annie hitting a penalty. Olivia added another in extra man and Mietta hit one from range. Richmond were still scoring though, keeping ahead of us. Claudia was unlucky not to get a birthday goal when her goal was disallowed, going in the HT break at 5 -7.

Essendon began th secon half playing like a well oiled machine as they piled the pressure on in the 3rd quarter. Richmond were hanging on but couldn't keep out KatieB who knocked in a penalty. Meanwhile Kate in goals was keeping them out at the other end with a number of great saves. We shut them out from a goals perspective and had gained the lead 8-7, setting up an exciting final quarter with it all to play for.

Essendon continued to dominate in the 4th quarter as Annie smashed two goals immediately after the restart giving Essendon a cushion at 10-7. It went goal for goal for the next few minutes but Richmond couldn't close the gap. Annie didn't feel she done enough for the quarter and managed another two to give her 6 for the match. Essendon ended up comfortable winners.

Essendon defeated the Richmond Tigers : 13 - 9   

Goals : Annie 6, Emmy 2, Alex 2, KatieB 1, Olivia 1, Mietta 1

Below : Our women's A Grade side in action this week (photos courtesy of Torben Fink-Jensen, see more on our FB page)

Women's B Grade : EssRed - Report by Lisa Murray-Segal

This week saw the match of the year, with Essendon Red facing off against Essendon Black. Yep - the local derby in football speak. A contest between the bottom dwellers, both sides hoping to get their first win for this comp! We were fortunate to have a bench of three, so looked to be in better shape than the Blacks, who had a single. The first quarter was close, with plenty of one-on-one battles across the pool but we managed to find the net first, with a quick pass from Sher into Megan for a well placed shot. Several more shots from some good attacking play missed their mark before the quarter was done, but the Blacks hit back with a goal late in the piece, and it was tied at 1 - 1. The second quarter proved more successful, as we kept moving around in attack, creating a free player and taking shots. Sally had a purple patch putting 2 away while Josie added another having won the swim ups too. A couple of turnovers hurt us, and our defence lapsed allowing the Blacks in to score 2 for the term, leaving us with the slender lead of 4-3 at half time. Our second half was less impressive. We failed to make good use of our bench, with only 2 players switching in the third, and another 3 in the final term. We should have really played this to our advantage, ensuring everyone was fresh to swim hard throughout. The Blacks scored twice, with Ari putting the final notch on our scorecard. The game was played in great spirits, and it was fun to challenge ourselves and opposition colleagues in an official game. A politically correct outcome - giving both sides a taste of something other than a loss... and demonstrating how well balanced these 2 squads are. Well done ladies!

Essendon Red drew with Essendon Black : 5 - 5   Goals : Sally 2, Megan 1, Josie 1, Ari 1

Below : Our women's B Grade Red side in action this week (photos courtesy of Torben Fink-Jensen, see more on our FB page)

Women's B Grade : EssBlack - Report by Amber Mink

This week everyone was fired up for a fun game against the biggest rivals; the Essondon Reds. Everyone was excited to get into the pool for a good fight, with lots of giggles and harmless threats on the pool deck before the game. The first quarter started off slow, with one goal from Maddie and one goal from the Reds. After getting used to playing against such familiar faces, the second quarter was a real thriller, with 2 goals from the Blacks and 3 from the Reds. It was almost like a tit for tat, but because of the Blacks inability to get the ball to open players, and some highly controversial calls from the ref, the quarter finished 3-4. The next quarter was a real fight as everyone was sure about winning, both teams scored a goal. The last quarter was by far the most intense, with LisaAs scoring us an insane back hand, leaving us 5-5. The pressure was on and the ball was flying from side to side, but after a lot of screaming and missed opportunities, no one else managed to score, leaving us on a 5-5 draw. Although everyone fought hard and were mildly disappointed with the draw, we had so much fun playing against all our friends, and are super keen for the next time both Essendon teams line up pool side again

Essendon Black drew with Essendon Red : 5 - 5 Goals : Madeleine 2, LisaAs 2, Hannah 1

Below : Our women's B Grade Black side in action this week (photos courtesy of Torben Fink-Jensen, see more on our FB page)

Men's C Grade - Report by Marcus Jones

Welcome Essendon fans to the 2nd last week of the Summer Splash and dear readers Essendon put on a Water Polo show tonight that both Arnold Schwarzenegger and David Copperfield would be proud of. The night started with the Silver Fox winning the first swim off and passing to an open player for a goal in the first 60s. It just got better from there apart from Lee who had a bad night in front of goals. The team played great polo with everyone swimming, defending and attacking with patience and clever strategy apart from Lee who had a bad night in front of goals. The team played as a great unit and rotated the goalie so everyone was fresh apart from Lee who had a bad night in front of goals. It was a great game with everyone getting involved apart from Lee who had a bad night in front of goals. Thanks to Carlie doing the table and putting up with all the cap changes.

An enjoyable night and a great team performance, apart from Lee who had a bad night in front of goals.

Essendon defeated Melbourne Surge Obsidiam : 11 - 3   Goals : Ryan 4, Riccardo 3, Paul 2, Vince 2

Men's D Grade 

With 2 reports coming in overnight for this game, I'm running with both!

Report by William Doecke

In the game thisweek, the Essendon team decided to take it easy on the opposition, a bold tactic given the 4–12 loss but generous nonetheless.

Liam and Sam each scored a great goal, but dare I say William scored a goal that can only be described as unreal. Easily the goal of the day.

Essendon played with one sub against Northcote, who had four or five, some may even say six or seven, making our performance definitively more breathtaking.

Report by Marcus Jones

Essendon played the Northcote Krakens early on Thursday night which meant the boys had plenty of fire and enthusiasm. The game opened with great play and brilliant defence – neither team could score… and that’s a problem, we couldn’t score. In the 2nd quarter the Essendon boys maintained the strong defence but again not being able to convert many opportunities…the guys were playing well but just not completing the opportunities their hard work was giving them. In the 2nd half the boys started to fatigue and unfortunately this put the defence in breaking strain territory and eventually the dam wall collapsed with many goals being scored in 2nd half – just not by Essendon. The guys played very well and this team is still learning to play together. Stand out performances include William, Liam and Rohan – who looks fitter than many people half his age.

Essendon were defeated by the Northcote Krakens : 3 - 9  Goals : Liam 1, Sam 1, William 1

12&U Mixed - Report by Sheridan Mom

The 12s team delivered an outstanding performance this weekend, securing a dominant 10–1 victory. From the opening sprint, the team showed great energy, teamwork, and determination, quickly building momentum with strong passing and excellent positioning in attack. Our defence was equally impressive, limiting opportunities and supporting the goalkeeper to keep the opposition to just one goal. It was hard to see at times due to the sun in players’ eyes, and Footscray’s non-clash caps made identifying teammates a little tricky, but the team adapted brilliantly. It was fantastic to see everyone contributing, with confident shooting, smart plays, and great communication in the pool. A terrific team effort and a well deserved result. Well done to all the players.

Essendon/DVE Aquatic defeated Footscray : 10 - 1

Goals : Dean 2, Louis 2, Xavier 2, Dean 1, Evan 1, Harvey 1, Jack 1, Lucus 1, own goal 1

14&U Boys 

With 2 reports coming in this week within an hour of each other, I'm running with both!

Report By Bec Kirby

With numbers down, this weekend's game became a "scratch match", with Richmond donating some players to even the numbers. Our blended team hit the pool with energy in the Hawthorn sunshine. Richmond Yellow started strong with 4 goals in the first quarter. Our boys peppered their goalie throughout the quarter but were unable to find the back of the net, and ended the first 0 - 4.

In the second, our response was strong, with some slick moves and fantastic defense to slow the Richmond goals but we couldn't get the goals on the board, ending the quarter down 1 - 5.

The second half saw us swim out with renewed energy, attacking the game, scoring and holding the defensive line right up to the final whistle.  Whilst the final scoreline was 4-7, the game was recorded officially as a forfeit.

Report By Nat Meissner

The 14 boys game was a scratch match (our forfeit due to insufficient permanent players for the final 2 games of the season). Everyone showed some great growth, especially noticeable since having returned from the Geelong TriStates tournament. Ashton made some great drives (all that swimming is coming in handy!!) and is starting to show some real promise as a centre forward. Angus has really started to gain confidence in goals, with a particularly strong 3rd quarter, that kept the Richmond team scoreless! 

One more game for the season, that will give everyone another scratch match together before we look towards what happens next. 

Footscray/Essendon/Monash/Northcote were defeated by Richmond Yellow : 0 - 8 (Forfeit)

14&U Girls - Report by Briele & Manuel De Rivero

Alice, Madeleine and Anja represented Essendon in this week's game, and all three made a strong impact. DVE had a dominant win over Monash, finishing 14–3. The margin could have been even bigger if not for some outstanding saves from the Monash goalkeeper. Alice led the scoring with three goals, while Madeleine and Anja added one each. Anja also stepped up in the third quarter to help out in goals, showing great versatility.

The Essendon girls continue to play an important role within the DVE side, bringing experience, speed and reliability when it matters most. DVE/Essendon now sit third on the ladder, just behind Richmond with very similar percentages. The final game before finals is this Sunday against Richmond, which should be a great contest.

DVE Aquatic(Essendon) defeated Monash : 14 - 3

Goals : Audrey 3, Olivia 3, Alice 2, Violet 2, Anja 1, Madeleien 1, Claudia 1, Thea 1

Youth Boys (Jack)

DVE(Essendon) had a scheduled bye this week, but will face Richmond Black this weekend.

Youth Boys (Timo)

Northcote(Essendon) were defeated by MC White : 11 - 13

Goals : Henry 5, Hamish 2, Angus 1, Harry 1, John 1, Murray 1

Youth Girls 

Essendon/Geelong had a scheduled bye this week, but will have a double header this weekend, playing Northcote and then MelbColl/DVE Aquatic.

Junior Men

DVE(Essendon) had a scheduled bye this week, but will face MelbColl Blue this weekend.