WSL2   Report by Darren Steere

Smiling faces turned up for the late game, 8.50pm. Old blokes should be getting ready for bed, not turning up to MSAC!  We were coming off a bye and facing Monash Uni, who always put up a fight. Last time we played them, we had just returned triumphant from the John Mason Cup, thumped them. So beware the injured foe. 

We have a knack of playing poorly when we think we have the advantage before the game even starts. We welcomed Abbie into the team, after she had already played earlier with the WSL3 girls, which was handy with a couple of regulars missing. 

The first quarter was the Olivia Show, stealing the ball at centre back, helping the ball down the pool and scoring 2 goals, I was beginning to think WADA was going to walk through the door and get her to do a drug test. Then the penny dropped, her boyfriend had come to watch ❤️❤️❤️❤️

This all set the tone for the quarter with the girls scoring at will. Alongside Olivia’s effort, Emily 2, Alex 2, Claudia 1 and Katie 1. All while holding them to just 2, finishing at 8-2 for the quarter.

The scoring slowed down in the second, with Monash steadying.Their go-to choice of shot was the backhand, and they went there multiple times. It was the same in the last game and spoken about pregame, and to our girls credit - they had it covered.  Abbie was settling into the game and scored her first. Olivia managed to score again, in between blowing kisses to her man. Our lead now out to 11-4.

Halftime and a change of ends, saw the play ramp up in the third quarter. Monash were becoming frustrated and physical, just the way we like it. Monash had no bench and as they were getting tired and a couple on two fouls, we took full toll and got back to rewarding ourselves with goals. An even spread of scorers, pushed the scoreboard along, with the save of the game late in the quarter, saw Kate save a fast break, with the girl sitting up and threw the hardest shot of the match, only for Kate to save it with her face, taking it right on the nose. Keeping them goalless for the quarter, at 17-4. 

We finished the game the way we started with 6 goals to their 2. A nice game to play after coming off a bye. I think our game is now on a much better/higher level, than when we started the competition. The team work is seeing all areas of our game flourish. 

*** Kate our goalie, while goalie, got on the scorers list when Monash’s goalie accidentally swatted the ball into her goal.

Essendon defeated Monash : 23 - 6   

Goals : Katie 4, Emily 4, Alex 4, Abbie 3, Josie 3, Olivia 3, Claudia 1, Kate 1

WSL3   Report by Lisa Murray-Segal

In our last two encounters, we'd lost by 2 goals then 1 goal, so we were determined to turn that around this week as we faced Old Ivanhoe for the third time.  The team was bolstered by Jordan (Kerrie's daughter) and Canadian import Abbie.  Some solid talent to fill the void left by Amber and Josie moving up to SL2.  

We started strongly, with Ari posting the first goal of the match.  Some back and forth followed before Ivanhoe got on the board, but we were quick to restore our advantage with Georgia slotting one in before the break, giving us a 2-1 lead. The second quarter we dominated.  It's been awhile since I've typed those words.  Some very strong passages of play and solid defensive work meant we kept Ivanhoe scoreless, whilst adding another 3 goals to our tally.  Maddy was leading the attack with 2 and Jordan entered the arena with her first for Essendon. So we went into the halftime break with a solid 5-1 lead.  The second half was a much tighter contest.  Ivanhoe lifted their game and caught us out with a long shot and another on a fast break.  We were equally good in offence, but our shots were missing the mark and on 2 occasions we had solo players in a better position who never got the ball.  Maddy finally broke the draught for us, getting her hat trick as we went into the three quarter time break 6-3.  Ivanhoe continued to apply the pressure in the final quarter but were tiring without a bench.  Abbie scored her first goal for the Red & Black, but Ivanhoe added one too.  In the last minute, both sides added another goal each - Maddy really stamping her name on this game with her 4th.  A convincing win for the girls, who can be proud of their efforts, teamwork and the form they’re building.

Essendon defeated Old Ivanhoe : 8 - 5   Goals : Madeleine 4, Ari 1, Georgia 1, Jordan 1, Abbie 1

Below : the WSL3 team this week after their win (photo courtesy of Hannah Currie, see more on our FB page)

MSL4   Report by Ryan Mills

​We managed to grind out a 7–6 win against Footscray, though it’s fair to say we made hard work of it! It wasn't our cleanest performance as a collective, and we nearly let it slip in the dying moments, giving us plenty of homework to take into training this week.

​That said, a win is a win—and we owe this one to Matt in goals.

​Matt was an absolute wall between the posts all game, pulling off huge 1v1 saves and turning away rocket after rocket when we needed him most. When Footscray threw everything at us in those final frantic seconds, Matt clutched up under serious pressure to make sure we walked away with the win.

​Four quarters in the bank and plenty to build on. On to the next one! 💣🔥

Essendon defeated Footscray : 7 - 6   Goals : Ambrose 2, Ryan 2, Henry 1, Sam 1, Vince 1

OSL5   Report by Hayden Woods

With the early game not scaring off our players and a healthy 3 on the bench, the boys were prepped for a hiding from Latrobe Uni Black.  The 2nd top team on the ladder dished out a 11-4 thrashing to us last time we met, but hey at least there was still some sunshine to be enjoyed during the game.  From the outset it was apparent that the game was rolling differently to last time, with the boys able to match for pace (with even the old blokes showing some hustle) and applying early pressure at both ends of the pool.  Latrobe looked to be missing a couple of its speedsters and Essendon were hungry to capitalise.  Through the game Essendon's confidence grew as it wrestled control over the game and refused to let go.  In particular, strong and disciplined defence was stifling Latrobe in front of goals, with Lewy stealing passes with abandon and excellent stand-in performances in the cage by Tom and The Ruckus denying many of the opportunities that Latrobe did manage to create.  By the end of the game Essendon were the convincing winners.  

Essendon defeated La Trobe Uni Black : 7 - 4   Goals : TBC

12&U Mixed  Report by Bec Kirby

Despite the soggy weather, we ventured to Hawthorn for the 3rd week of the U12's skills sessions and the much anticipated round robin matches against Mornington and Northcote.

As the parents huddled under verandahs and umbrellas, the kids got started with some awkward greetings and 'dry' land warm ups. Into the pool for a quick swim and some passing practice, then it was game time.

Throughout the hour we competed in 3 matches and, whilst no scores were recorded and some rules perhaps merely suggestions, the kids put together some great plays with confident passing and shots at goal. By the third game we had found our defensive power and, whilst some techniques looked interesting, they proved successful and many a pass was intercepted and a turnover created.

The kids should be proud of how far they've come already and this proud mamma is looking forward to watching them grow as a team throughout the season.

14&U Boys   Report by Sheridan Mom

The boys put up a fierce fight in this week's game, finding themselves playing the exact same MC bottom-age squad two weeks in a row thanks to a Water Polo Victoria fixture error. This time around, the game was a much closer tussle, especially as MC didn't have their strong centre forward in the pool this week. Our brand-new squad continues to build chemistry and integrate new players, including welcoming Ollie from Footscray to the team while running with just one player on the bench. MC got away to a flying start early on, but our boys dug deep and pegged them back to lead by a goal going into the last quarter of what was a very even game. While the team created plenty more opportunities, they couldn't convert them into goals at times. MC fought back and outscored us in the final period, eventually winning by just one goal. The team needs to work on protecting the ball and converting our scoring opportunities, while remembering to hold a full press and stay goal-side in defence so players don't slip through. It was another gritty performance that gives the team plenty of positive building blocks to work on as they continue to gel.

Essendon-NYP-Footscray were defeated by Melbourne Collegians Yellow : 5 - 6  

Goals : Oliver 4, Xavier 1

14&U Girls    Report by Ilona Elmore

With Lucy unavailable, Rosie stepped up for only her second game of the season. She may feel like a water polo veteran after watching a thousand games with her brother, but she is still new to playing the sport and to the Northcote team. Rosie’s goals for the game were simple: make good passes and keep swimming!

MC always seems a little daunting. They have a way of arriving at the pool looking intimidating, but the Northcote/Essendon girls showed plenty of heart from the very beginning. It was the first game of the day, with an 8am start at Camberwell Grammar. That meant an especially early morning for those travelling from the west, and the rainy weather made staying cosy at home very tempting. Nevertheless, the team showed up ready to play.

The girls looked sharp in the warm-up and scored the opening goal, giving them an early boost of confidence. The scores were tied at two goals apiece at quarter-time. Northcote/Essendon appeared to control possession for much of the quarter but lacked a little strength when moving the ball towards the net. The girls created some breathing room in the second quarter, scoring three goals to MC’s one and taking the lead into half-time.

The third quarter was a real slog. Many of the girls, including Rosie, are still learning to understand the referees’ calls. That knowledge often only comes through playing, listening and gaining experience in match situations. MC scored the only goal of the quarter, but Northcote/Essendon held onto a one-goal lead heading into the final term.

Fatigue began to set in during the fourth quarter, and the power in the girls’ arms started to fade. Neither team could find the net, and turnovers came at both ends of the pool.

With just over a minute remaining, MC scored to level the game. However, Northcote/Essendon dug deep and found one final burst of energy. A late goal sealed a thrilling one-goal victory.

A fantastic effort, plenty of valuable lessons and, most importantly, a win!

Northcote-Essendon defeated Melbourne Collegians : 6 - 5  Goals : TBC

16&U Boys  Report by Rob Meissner

The boys came out firing against MC, with a few goals early on following some great teamwork. Scores were level at the end of the first quarter at 3 - 3. The second term was tighter with MC scoring the only goal of the quarter with a penalty kick out to make it 3 - 4.

The third quarter started with MC getting two quick goals. The boys showed some great defensive work with two steals in a row but unfortunately were unable to convert. MC added another late goal to finish the third at 3 - 7.

The last quarter was a repeat of the third, with MC adding another two quick goals early. The boys kept working hard and managing a couple of late goals to end on a positive note.

A competitive first half, and plenty of fight right to the end. Good signs to build on!

DVE-Essendon-Footscray were defeated by Melbourne Collegians Yellow : 5 - 11   Goals : TBC

16&U Girls  Report by Manuel De Rivero

At the end of our previous game against Richmond, Darren said that if the girls kept playing like that, they had a great competition ahead of them. This week, they showed exactly why.

The team came out firing from the first whistle, taking the game to MC rather than waiting for them to settle. The defensive effort was outstanding from the outset, with the girls showing a real willingness to fight for every loose ball and make MC work for every opportunity.

By half-time, we were ahead 4–2. MC, who would normally expect to be in control by this stage, looked surprised by both the scoreline and the intensity of the team’s performance. Even the increasingly vocal instructions from their bench couldn’t shift the momentum.

As always, Isla (Geelong) provided confidence in goals, but this week she had plenty of support. Katie (Geelong) was relentless in defence, driving hard and intercepting attacks down her side of the pool. Meanwhile, Anja (Essendon) was locked in a battle of her own with MC’s number 9, making life difficult for her even when the ball wasn’t nearby and limiting MC’s attacking options on that side.

At the other end, Audrie (DVE) made the most of her opportunities. Whenever she managed to find some space away from the MC defenders, she made it count.

By the end of the third quarter, our lead had narrowed to just one goal, 5–4, thanks to Maddie (Essendon), who reacted quickly to a rebound and found the back of the net.

Halfway through the final quarter, MC drew level. For those watching from the bench, it was a familiar feeling after our previous game against Richmond: having led for most of the match, suddenly the pressure was on, and the nerves started to creep in.

But the girls didn’t fold. They kept pushing, kept fighting and found another goal in the final two minutes. They even came agonisingly close to adding another before the final whistle, that announced their win.

One of the most encouraging things to watch from the bench is the way the more experienced players are driving the game forward, setting the standard and creating opportunities, while their energy and determination inspire the younger girls to keep working hard and fighting until the very end.

The message is becoming clear: this team is going to be a tough opponent for anyone in this competition. Win or lose, no team is going to have an easy game against these girls.

Essendon-DVE-Marlins defeated Melbourne Collegians : 6 - 5   

Goals : Audrey 3, Lola 1, Madeleine 1, Sophie 1

18&U Boys  Report by Ilona Elmore

The boys affectionately refer to MC Blue as “The Avengers”, so they knew they were in for a serious challenge. As a bottom-age side, DVE understood what the likely result might be, but Coach Riley kept things positive and set the boys some clear tasks to focus on.

With several key players still sidelined through injury, including their experienced goalkeeper, DVE knew this one would be fast, physical and furious.

The opening quarter was tough. The coaching instructions didn’t quite translate into action, and MC’s size and talent rattled the boys. DVE struggled to find its usual team play, recording no drives, losing defensive structure and turning the ball over eight times. At the first break, the scoreboard read 0–5. Ouch!

But the boys responded. They settled quickly in the second quarter, found their rhythm and produced a much-improved team performance, outscoring MC four goals to two.

MC regained control during the dreaded third quarter, taking advantage of some lapses in discipline. Heading into the fourth, however, the instruction was simple: shoot first.

DVE embraced that mindset. The boys attacked the net, earned important penalty shots and fought hard to close the gap. By the final whistle, they had reduced the margin to just three.

There are certainly some skills and structures to clean up, but effort is never in question with this team.

DVE (Ess) were defeated by Melbourne Collegians Blue : 11 - 14   Goals : TBC