FINALS : 2026 Senior Summer Splash & the 2025-26 Junior Summer Competition

Women's A Grade - GOLD MEDAL GAME 🥇

Report by Darren Steere

After the surprise of making the “Grand Final” of the Summer Splash A grade, we then had to organise a team to compete. While we were missing a few, Gen with work, Emmy had other commitments (we were never meant to play this week) Alex with a broken toe, illness to Phoebe and Lara and Emily is concentrating on her National Swimming Championships. The good news is that we were able to welcome Gen from WSL3 and Josie from our Youth Girls.

On the other hand, our competition, NYP had what looked like most of their WSL1 team front up. The highlight of the first quarter was Gen winning the swim up. From there NYP took control popping 4 goals into our net. Our only answer came from Annie with a nice outside shot : 1 - 4.

The second quarter saw us work our way back into the contest, while NYP scored 3 more, they were soft unpressured goals, we on the other hand gained some good opportunities, but only Claudia troubled dad Andrew on the table to add one to our tally : 2-7.  

The third and fourth quarters were similar. NYP took most of their chances in front of goal, but we were still applying good defensive pressure. Annie in the 3rd and Claudia in the last scored to give us some joy. Gen and Josie fitted in, and we look forward to seeing them improve in this environment. A special mention to our Goalie Kate, she was having a great game, and the scoreboard could have looked alot different.

Essendon were defeated by the NYP Dragons : 4 - 13 

Goals : Claudia 2, Annie 2

Below : Our women's A Grade team this week for the Gold Medal Game (Photo courtesy of Amber Mink)

Women's B Grade : EssBlack - 7th V 8th PLAYOFF 

Report by Amber Mink

This week we had another game against the Northcote Krakens as we made finals!!! 🎉🥳 As it was quite a late game (9.20pm), everyone was a bit tired after the long day we had and energy was not the highest. We all decided to put a smile on our faces anyway and get into the pool. The game started off well with a nice goal from Amber followed by a lot of goals from the Krakens. Piper also managed to slot one in for us a bit later, in the second quarter along with another heap from Northcote. Amber managed to win us a penalty but, she unfortunately missed, which was OK because Sandra did too, and after much confusion, she was able to get the ball into the back of the net. That was about it for the Black's excitement, although we had many shots on goal, but we were unable to get them in. We ended the game with a loss, but we are all very happy with how we have grown as a team over this summer splash season.

A massive, big thank you to Lucy and Juli for always being there with support, doing table duties and voting! It would have been very hard without you!

Essendon Black were defeated by Northcote : 3 - 16

Goals : Amber 1, Piper 1, Sandra 1

Below : Our women's B Grade Black team this week (Photos courtesy of Lucy Leahy)

12&U Mixed - Report by Sheridan Mom

The U12s wrapped up their season with their first game at MSAC, bringing plenty of energy and effort. While it ended in a loss, you could clearly see what they were trying to do, they just couldn’t quite execute at times. Their teamwork, positioning, and intent have come a long way, and they never stopped supporting each other right to the final whistle. It’s been a season full of growth and learning, and every player should be proud of their progress.

Essendon/DVE Aquatic were defeated by Northcote : 3 - 7  Goals : Evin 2, Xavier 1

Below : Our 12&U Mixed team for their final game on Sunday (Photos courtesy of Sheridan Mom)

14&U Girls - Report by Manuel De Rivero

SEMI-FINAL : MSAC 10.40pm

A tough semi final game against a very strong Richmond side, who showed why they are the champions of this division. Richmond applied relentless pressure throughout the match, effectively shutting down our ability to implement our game plan. By closing space and contesting every movement, Richmond dominated possession and controlled the pace of the game.

DVE Aquatic (Essendon) were defeated by the Richmond Tigers : 1 - 12  Goals : Madeleine 1

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BRONZE MEDAL GAME : MSAC 1.20pm 🥉

A much improved performance from the team, who bounced back strongly and played with confidence and purpose. We moved the ball quickly through the centre and wide channels, creating space and leaving the Monash Penguins with limited options to counter. The improved speed and teamwork made a clear difference.

The Essendon girls - Alice, Madeleine and Anja - all made strong contributions within the DVE side. Alice delivered another composed all‑round performance, defending strongly, attacking with intent and helping drive the team forward. Madeleine also had a very good game, showing great awareness through quick ball movement, solid defence, and stepping into the goalkeeper role for a quarter when required. Anja was particularly effective defensively, consistently blocking play and disrupting the opposition, and showed growing confidence moving forward with the ball, which was rewarded with a goal.

 Alice, Madeleine and Anja are now well integrated into the DVE team and clearly enjoy playing together. It was pleasing to see the team’s efforts recognised with a third‑place finish in the competition and a bronze medal at the awards ceremony.

 Thank you to the DVE coaching team, Kristin and Jamie, for being so welcoming and supportive of the Essendon girls.

DVE Aquatic(Essendon) defeated by Monash Penguins : 10 - 4

Goals : Alice 4, Audrey 2, Anja 1, Claudia 1, Tillanty 1, Violet 1

Below : the DVE Aquatic / Essendon team take out the Bronze medal game on Sunday (Photos courtesy of DVE Aquatic)

Youth Boys (Jack) - Report by Ilona Elmore

In September last year, there was plenty of discussion around where Jack would play water polo for the upcoming season. Previous permits to other teams hadn’t quite provided the right opportunities for development. After exploring options and speaking with DVE Aquatic, it became clear there was a strong pathway ahead, offering exposure to multiple tournaments and the chance to be part of a competitive, well-structured team. While not every tournament went to plan, the Victorian season was a strong success, with the team finishing 2nd on the ladder, losing just one game for the year.

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SEMI-FINAL : MSAC 8am

It was still dark arriving at MSAC for the first game of the day, with swimming and diving competitions also happening, there was a buzz at the state aquatic centre.  Based on season form, DVE went in as favourites, but MC Gold came out strong, composed, and made life difficult early. DVE struggled to find rhythm, passing was off, ball movement stalled, and they couldn’t generate clean attacking play. Trailing by three goals at half time, the game was on edge. The second half showed improvement. Defensive pressure lifted and, while still not at their best, DVE began to grind their way back. Maybe they finally woke up.  The final quarter showed glimpses of their capability, and despite an untidy performance, they did enough to secure the win, and make the grand final game!

DVE Aquatic(Essendon) defeated MC Gold : 7 - 5  Goals : Alexander 5, Archie 1, Luca 1

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GOLD MEDAL GAME : MSAC 12pm 🥇

After a long wait in the sauna that is MSAC, and the chance to watch other Essendon players in action, it was time for the Grand Final. MC Blue had been dominant all season. Undefeated, bigger bodies, and a very strong outfit. The focus for DVE was simple: compete, apply pressure, and make them earn it. DVE came out firing. With strong intensity and early scoreboard pressure, they stunned MC Blue and took a three-goal lead into quarter time. The game lifted in intensity, and by half time it was evenly poised, with DVE well and truly in the contest. The third quarter proved pivotal. MC Blue began to assert control, using their size and endurance to maintain a high tempo. Despite DVE continuing to fight, fatigue began to show, and MC’s composure saw them pull away.

While the result didn’t go their way, there was plenty to be proud of. DVE pushed the best team in the competition and showed they were capable of matching it at the highest level. This wasn’t an underdog fairytale, but it was a performance that demanded respect. A special shout out to Archie Cooper from the DVE team who was awarded best goalie of the season. Well deserved. 

DVE Aquatic(Essendon) were defeated by MC Blue : 8 - 14  Goals : Alexander 5, Emilio 2, Daniel 1

Below : Runners up in the Youth Boys Grand Final, the DVE Aquatic team, featuring Essendon's Jack Elmore (Photo courtesy of WPV)

Youth Girls - Report by Kate Simnett

The final games of the season for our Youth Girls team were played at a packed, water-polo vibing MSAC, and we were grateful for the later start time.

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SEMI-FINAL : MSAC 12.40pm

Going into our first game the team knew they were going to have to be sharp and defensive! A brutal 1-7 first quarter was steadied in quarters 2 and 3 with Richmond only scoring 4 and 2 respectively, as the girls actively worked hard on shutting them down.  The final quarter showed some tired arms but goals from Kate and Josie demonstarted they weren't going down without a fight.

Essendon/Marlins were defeated by Richmond Yellow : 5 - 18  Goals : Kate 3, Josie 2

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BRONZE MEDAL GAME : MSAC 3.20pm 🥉

Game two was our opportunity to make good use of the fact that we play two games every time we play! A nice early goal from Arly led the way and it wasn't really until the last quarter that the score became too difficult to come back from. Shout out for Ari's goal - it was a beaut and  the very picture of 'second effort'!

Massive thanks to all the girls and, realistically, their parents for showing up every week, ready to play, on time, scoring, driving all over Melbourne!  Youth sport doesn't exist without parents and volunteers - great work everyone!

DVE Aquatic(Essendon) were defeated by MelbColl/DVE Aquatic : 3 - 7  Goals : Ari1, Arly 1, Josie 1

Below : We didn't manage to get a team photo, but this was the special game break pick me up, provided by team manager, Kate Simnett

Junior Men - Report by Felix Neal

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SEMI-FINAL : MSAC 10am 

The tension was set for the Semi final coming up against a strong MC side. The game did not have the start we intended, as we trailed 1 - 3 at the end of the first quarter. After a brilliant quarter time speech from our coaches the team stepped up the pace and levelled out the game, seeing the halftime scoreboard at 4 - 4. The third quarter showed us almost half asleep as we went into the break down 4 - 9. We rose again in the final quarter with the team appling pressure and giving it their all, to bring us back to 10-10. The final goal would however would not fall in our favour as MC would take advantage of a missing block to place an easy last shot. 

DVE Aquatic(Essendon) were defeated by MC Blue : 10 - 11 Goals : Maksim 5, Alexander 2, Liam 2, Lazar 1

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BRONZE MEDAL GAME : MSAC 2pm🥉

With Felix injured in the semi final (hand sprain) he was not present for the game, that once again saw the boys lose by a goal.

DVE Aquatic(Essendon) were defeated by MC Gold : 8 - 9 Goals : Maksim 3, Flynn 2, Alexander 1, Liam 1, Lazar 1