2024 Season Report

U18B Season Report

Well, what a year it’s been….!!!

At the start of the year these lads came together to win a title, and that’s exactly what they did. They showed a heap of determination in training and on the pitch each week, which ultimately gave them the title of undefeated Minor-Premiers/Premiers.

With stiff competition each week, and a few games where we had to come from behind for either the victory or to tie the game, the lads showed much resilience normally given to older heads. With strong leadership from our three Captains (Josh, Ned & Zac) each week, this allowed the team to play flowing football whilst keeping steady heads throughout the game. Most halftime speeches were not so much about the things we weren’t doing, more to the point of how we can continue to do those things better. The lads listened when needed, dug deep when under the pump, and continued to impress Jase and I each week.

Vic, our keeper this year, was phenomenal. Each week he turned up to perform. No-one was harder on himself than Vic if a mistake was made, but he would bounce back better each time.

Our defence this year consisted of steady heads and strong tackling. With Jamo & Brad leading the lads back there, Luke, Liam & Grandpa dropping in to help, gave us the strength to repel most opposition throughout the year. A massive effort week in week out.

Playing the role of defensive midfielder this year was Josh. A solid force throughout all games played, and the one who could read the game, and turn it in our favour when necessary.

Our midfield this year became our engine room. Thoughts at the start of the year were, if we could rotate enough lads through the middle with fresh legs, then this would become the strength we needed to take us to the title, and this was what we did. With Monkey & Parker running the central part of the field, in the vicinity were Aiden, Bourkey, Tommy & Archie F. The midfield consistently put on a solid defensive display, whilst supplying numerous attacking balls for our strikers to chase. Most of these leading to goals, which virtually doubled the closest goal tally of any team near us this year.

Our forwards this year were top class. They constantly lead the line, chasing everything for a chance to finish with the ball in the net, and nobody did it better than Ned. Given an opportunity for a one-on-one, a swift clean finish was inevitable every time. Alongside Ned at different times were Zac, Brodie & Logan D, all putting in a massive effort each game to finally bring us that title we were looking for. Each week our strikers would finish when needed, which would become the “icing on the cake” after some exceptional ball play up the pitch. This did show we were a team that was committed to each other, with everyone’s role playing an important part.

A special mention for “Mr Versatile” – Camo. No player played with more commitment each week than Cam, when given the opportunity, from the first to last game, his effort for the team never strayed. Whether at training, on the bench watching or in the game, we only ever got 100% from Cam each time. Wherever he played on the pitch (which was very new to him this year), he pushed himself to be the best he could for the team.

As a team, you guys have become “Champions” whilst showing a great display of maturity toward the opposition and officials every game. We said at the start of the year, it would take hard work at training (with most players at both sessions each week) and a level of commitment from all would undoubtably see us go all the way, and I can gladly say with pride as a coach – that is exactly what we did.

Lastly, we wish Tommy a swift recovery from injury in 2025, so he can join the lads for his footballing down the track.

Congrats from Jase and I on such a fantastic year of football lads!!!

Coach: Trent Dawes

Manager: Jason Farr