WSL2  Report by Darren Steere

The team turned up to face a seasoned Monash Uni, still bubbling from our win in the John Mason Cup. I’d given them Monday night training off, and some were still a little sore from the two day weekend workload. But it was Monash that was about to find out how well we played over the weekend and what Emily and Josie missed out on. 

From the word go, it was defence that led to offence and it all flowed. Gen was having a ball with 3 goals, Alex with 2 and Josie thinking Christmas had come early with 2.  Katie added another to make it 8-1.

Monash fought back in the second quarter, and we went goal for goal. Monash had been frustrated in the first quarter and were muscling up in front of goal, but we maintained our lead 14-6.

After a halftime talk about what they were doing and how to combat it, we duplicated the first quarter and added 9 goals to 1, spread out over multiple shooters, 23-7.

Monash had had enough of this onslaught and asked for the last quarter to be played with running time. Only the shortened time stopped us running up the scoreboard, but we still managed to score 6 to their 2. Our game play was a pleasure to watch, both attacking and defending. 

Two Special notes:

Mietta scoring 6 in front of her own support crew. 

Olivia realising she has been shooting too close to goal, so found the back of the net from halfway. 

Essendon defeated Monash : 29 - 10

Goals : Mietta 6, Gen 6, Alex 4, Josie 4, Emily 3, Katie 3, Olivia 2, Claudia 1

WSL3  Report by Lisa Murray-Segal

Having a break over the school holidays, our last Tuesday night game felt like a month ago. Whilst a couple of our girls played the John Mason Cup, the rest of us had pretty much done buggar all to keep our skills up. We welcomed Ari back into the side, after a long stint at Alpine School but were missing Sally who arrived home from Europe with a flu bug. So 2 on the bench wasn't bad. Whilst we kept pace with Northcote in the first few minutes, they gained control easily, as we lacked proper positioning and player awareness within the pool. They'd jumped out to a 0-3 lead by the break. Things were much the same in the second quarter, as they started to slough back on our CF because our wings drifted too close to the middle instead of sticking wide. The scoreline was 0-6 at halftime. Our second half was a different story. We started to give ourselves more room in offence, and kept better tabs on our opponents on the turnovers. Madeleine scored 2 goals and Hannah flicked in another, with Nothcote equaling that effort with 3 of their own, 3-9 at the break. In the final quarter we were still struggling to get the ball into CF and not making the most of our attacks, lacking drives and movement. We kept Northcote to a single, but couldn't score one for ourselves.

Not our best game... some of us were a little flat and rusty (especially me!)... bring on next week!

Essendon were defeated by Northcote : 3 - 10 Goals : Madeleine 2, Hannah 1

MSL4 Report by Henry Smith

It was a warm spring evening when the boys took on Melbourne Surge for the late 9:15 fixture. It was strong start with a 2-0 lead heading into quarter time thanks to goals from the Mills brothers, before a shaky second quarter resulting in a 3-2 lead at the half. With a pep talk from Lee and an inspiring 5m, the men went up 1, before conceding another. You could almost feel the fierce determination radiating from Matt, as he vows not to let another past him in the last. True to his word, Matt’s 5 saves and 2 more rippers from Ryan meant the boys fought for a 7-3 win at full time.

Essendon defeated Melbourne Surge Obsidian : 7 - 3 Goals : Ryan, Lee, Ambrose, JackH

OSL5  (Editor)

A 7.45pm game was scheduled against Monash, who failed to show up or notify VicPolo they were abandonning the game. So our players hit the pool for a scratch match.

Essendon defeated Monash : 8 - 0 (Forfeit receievd)

15&U Girls  Report by Kate Simnett-Sage

Josie carb-loaded on Monday night in preparation for the 5 day epic that was the National State Championships, held this year in Melbourne. 

Game 1 of Day 1 saw some early nerves from the girls and they were quickly 6-0 down to ACT at the end of Q1. Some firm words from their coaches and they came out firing. Q2-3 were much better and they won Q4. Still the early damage was done and ACT defeated VIC 14-9. 

Game 2 of Day 1 against (a NSW heavy) SA team was a lesson is listening to your coach & helping out your goal keeper. The SA team were very happy to use the full range of water polo moves against the VIC girls - happily they all bobbed back up the surface at the end!! VIC went down 16-5, with a couple of nice long-range goals and one absolute beauty from Essendon’s own JSS, scored from a well timed counter 😉

Days 2 & 3, out at Mentone, were a mystery to her mother (this author) as she was at work and Josie subscribes to the adage; ‘what happens in Mentone stays in Mentone’  🤷🏻‍♀️ The results were :

WA defeated VIC: 15-5

QLD defeated VIC 25-5

NZL defeated VIC 23-2

NSW defeated VIC 26-2

Game 1 of Day 4 and I was back on deck at Mentone for Tassie. We could see from the results they also hadn’t won a game so the girls came out strong. It was a much more even game and the score was 2-3 (VIC down) at halftime.  Q3 saw two absolutely stellar long range goals from VIC but Tassie weren't going down without a fight and it ended in defeat 5-9.

Game 2 of Day 4 saw a second shot at ACT, by now the VIC girls were weary but playing better as a team. They started well but eventually the better-drilled & better set ups saw ACT defeat VIC 14-6. The consolation prize was a pub meal with the team and an early night. Kids and parents alike!

The final game of the tournament on Day 5 saw us at the familar old, strangely shaped pool at Camberwell Grammar against Tassie battling for 7th place.  The 8am start and local felt familiar but the foes different and definitely out for a second win, with VIC still chasing it's first.  It was a rough and ready game with plenty of underwater action & kick outs. The girls swam valiantly up and down the pool with surprising speed considering how deep into the tournament we were... but in the end, TAS defeated VIC 10-6.

My experience of tournaments has always been that they build resilience, grit and skills on a super scale... and this one didn't differ.  These girls have been training together since May, done the East Coast Challenge in July and should be exceptionally proud of themselves for being selected and giving their very best. No they didn't win a game, but they have all developed loads, were singled out for their improvement from last year by the other States and were an example to everyone of how to keep your chin up.

Below : the Victorian U15 girls take on the ACT at MSAC (photo courtesy of Kate Simnett)

Report by Ilona Elmore

Josie Simnett-Sage and Jack Elmore recently attended the Water Polo QLD 6–8 Camp at MSAC across Sunday and Monday. The 6–8 format is the latest water polo development trend, designed to support performance pathways for emerging athletes around the globe.

Not really knowing what to expect going in, it was a big commitment, especially with Josie having just completed five days at NSC. Facing a seven-hour day on Sunday after so much time already spent in the pool was a daunting prospect.

After five straight days of water polo leading into the camp, Josie was surprisingly upbeat, resilient, and ready to embrace the challenge. Jack's legs were certainly feeling the workload by Monday, but he pushed through and got the most out of the experience.

The camp featured a range of high-performance drills, along with specific testing and assessments designed to support player development. It was a fantastic opportunity for both athletes to experience a higher-performance environment, challenge themselves physically and mentally. 

A crowd favourite (wink wink) was the medicine ball drills. Jack has firmly assured me that these should definitely not be making their way into Essendon training sessions anytime soon... although we'll just have to watch this space.

Well done to Josie and Jack for their commitment, effort, and determination throughout the 2 day  camp. We're proud to see them embracing every opportunity to develop their game and represent the club so well.

Below : Jack and Josie survive the 6-8 Camp and can still smile about it! (photo courtesy of Ilona Elmore)

12&U Mixed Report by Jamie Kirby

Combined team : Geelong-Ballarat-MC-Northcote-Essendon-Mornington 

We headed up to Ballarat this weekend for a wonderful tournament to kick start the new season. Two Essendon U12's (Louis & Harvey) played in a team that I think was made up of 6 clubs! Officially, we were the Geelong/MC team. 

Our 10 boys and 1 girl connected really well, as did the parent group - some experienced players and some playing for the first time. Three games on Saturday set up the weekend - a nice come-from-behind win against Footscray/DVE, a great contest against Monash and a defeat against Richmond saw our kids in 3rd place overnight. Our coach (from MC) was wonderful, but sadly this was the only day she was available!

Sunday - the kids had all grown and learnt their team-mates. Our new coach(es) now just had to learn the kids names and strengths! We ended up with a coach for game 1, and a different coach for games 2 & 3 - no problems though as we ended up with a parent coaching committee helping with all manner of things. A dominant performance against Footscray/DVE was wonderful, as was a tenacious effort against the powerful Richmond - big improvement in both games. 

So, we went into the bronze medal match confident against Footscray/DVE. However, they had done their homework & challenged us greatly! Our kids fought back, eventually sealing a nail-biting 5-4 victory. 

Bronze medals for everyone - except our Essendon boys who missed the ceremony! Medals were quickly presented to our boys once they emerged from the change-rooms. 

A great weekend had by all, bring on the summer season!

Below : the combined 12&U team after their Bronze medal game win with Essendon's Louis and Harvey proudly showing their medals

14&U Girls  Report by Cathryn Prowse

Combined team : Footscray-DVE-Essendon   

A huge congratulations to Lucy and Rosie, who represented Essendon in a combined 14&U team at the Ballarat Junior Water Polo Tournament over the weekend. Facing an incredibly tough field, the team was made up entirely of players aged 12 and under, competing against older and more experienced opponents. While the results didn't fall their way, the girls showed great courage, determination and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. A fantastic learning experience and one that will no doubt help them continue to develop their game.

Below : Rosie and Lucy playing with Footscray & DVE girls over the weekend (photos courtesy of Cathryn Prowse)

14&U Boys 

Combined team : Geelong-Ballarat-Essendon-Mornington-Sale 

Report by Dean Jakic

This weekend I played in the Ballarat Water Polo Tournament with my U14 combined team. I played goalie for a few games, which was really fun and a bit different. We swam hard, played some great games and had lots of fun together. I really liked our coach because they were encouraging and gave us some good advice. We were really happy to finish the tournament with a silver medal.

Report by Reuben Simnett-Sage

At the start of this tournament our team didn't know each other very well which was difficult for communication but by the end of the tournament we learned how each other played which helped us come second. It was a very enjoyable experience and I think every team member had fun.

Report by Xavier Mom

This weekend, Essendon playerer Dean, Reuben and I, played in the Ballarat Tournament. We were called the Combined team with players also from Geelong Marlins, Ballarat, Mornington and Sale. We came second to DVE in the Gold Medal match. It was really good to catch up with some of my mates from other clubs. All in all it was a really enjoyable experience.

Below : the 14&U boys team show off their silver medals

JOHN MASON MEMORIAL CUP - Oct 3 & 4

John commenced his love of water polo as a player while a teenager in Wodonga before moving to Melbourne and becoming a much-loved legend at the NYP Dragons. He went on to become a club life member, president, player, coach, referee & friend to many - he was seen as the backbone, heart and driving force of the club. John also coached State teams and officiated as a referee at National Championships and National League, being inducted as a WPV Life Member. In the weeks before he passed away from prostate cancer (2020), John was still coaching the NYP women at MSAC.

ESSENDON SENIOR WOMEN   Report by Darren Steere

The girls all piled into the bus on a cold wet Friday afternoon to travel to the border towns of Albury & Wodonga.  We had entered the 2nd Annual John Mason Memorial Cup, a two day event with 6 games to be played. 

With the wipers on the bus working most of the way there, a Macca’s break at halfway and a nice Pasta/Pizza dinner, we settled into our accommodation.

GAME 1 : Saturday started with an overcast day and a threat of rain for our first game, the first of the tournament at Wodonga’s Waves pool. Up against NYPD Yellow, we got some rusty play sorted to begin some solid game play. 

Result : Essendon 11 def NYPD Yellow 1.

GAME 2 : Our next match was up against Henley Sharks from Sth Australia.  They only had the bare 7 players, with one being a former teammate in Sarah Chatterton. We got a couple of them in foul trouble and they were never able to push too hard in case they lost a player and would then be a man down. (Or woman down)

Result : Essendon 12 def Henley 0

GAME 3 : The last game for the day, had us up against the local Wodonga Pink. By now the team work was growing, and with good defence saw the scoreboard tick over.

Result: Essendon 19 def Wodonga Pink 1. 

After a full day of polo, the girls scrubbed up, and dressed up in their Hawaii themed outfits for the Social Function. 

GAME 4 : After a reasonably early night, the girls had their Semi Final against the other Wodonga team Blue in the older Albury pool. It took us a little while to get back into a rhythm, as there were many sore girls from the day before. 

Result: Essendon 16 def Wodonga Blue 3. 

GAME 5 : Back to Wodonga Waves pool for our Quarter Final against NYPD Yellow, who we had beaten the day before. We played this game well within ourselves, to keep some energy in the tank for the grand final. 

Result : Essendon 16 def NYPD Yellow 3.

GAME 6 : The Grand Final had us pitted against co-hosts NYPD Blue. 

With NYPD pulling in a couple of former Essendon players in Millie Pullyblank and Steph Jacobson (2nd claim junior), they were determined to win their own tournament. We lost this game last year in a penalty shootout against Melbourne Secrets, so we were just as determined. The game started in full sunshine and was a tight tussle from the first swimup. Our defence, which I think was our strength all weekend, held NYPD scoreless, while Gen and Maddy added one each. Q1: 2-0

The next quarter saw the script flip as NYPD scored two while holding us scoreless. Q2: 2-2

The second half of the game was a very tight arm wrestle, with neither team giving an inch, with both teams scoring one each in the third and in the last we had scored the only goal, to hold the lead until the last 20 seconds when an errant pass into our CF, saw them intercept, and take the ball the full length of the pool to generate a penalty and score😩

And so it was a penalty shootout to determine the winner AGAIN. 

With our 5 shooters selected, the first around saw them miss some, as we did. So we started the rotation again, they scored, Maddy scored, they scored Alex scored, they scored, Gen scored they missed and it was up to Katie to win us the game. And there was not a more beautiful sight as that ball slammed into the back of the net. 

Result : Essendon 4 - 4 NYPD Blue

Penalty Shootout: Essendon 7 - 6 NYPD Blue 

Overall, a great weekend of polo put in by all the girls. Looking forward to this standard of polo, being our normal. 

Below : the Essendon women take out the John Mason Memorial Cup - with Maddy Steere winning MVP for the tournament

MELBOURNE ALLSORTS   Report by Sandra Mink-Grobbe

The John Mason Memorial Cup was preparation for the Melbourne Allsorts who will travel to Queensland next month to compete in the Pan Pacific Masters. With a few of the "masters" being unavailable for this tournament, I was joined by Amber to top up our numbers.

Playing for the first time as a team, we needed some time to gel together. 

Our first game saw us play the Albury Tigers, which included Essendon's Kerrie Myer. We showed tremendous spirit, but the game was lost as we struggled to play cohesively as a team. From then on, we started to find one another better and had a win with some solid passages of play. Sunday was a great day. Although we lost the first game, the next was a convincing win. This meant that we had to face Kerrie and the Albury Tigers once more to play off for 5th place, and a chance of redemption. We took away the win, with Amber scoring a penalty and yours truly stopping one, reversing the previous day's scoreline. It was a great opportunity to get some valuable match practice in ahead of our campaign next month, with 3 wins and 3 losses. Unfortunatley we won't be supported by Amber then!

Below : Essendon's Sandra and Amber with the Melbourne Allsorts