AFL North East Border LaTrobe University Junior Carnival Review

On Sunday May 23rd, the annual AFL North East Border LaTrobe University Junior Carnival was held at Lavington Sports Ground, and the venue did not disappoint, both ovals were in immaculate condition and the facilities were excellent.

The four competing leagues, Albury Wodonga JFL, Wangaratta and District JFL, Tallangatta and District FL and Hume FL competed in both Under 14 and Under 16's competitions. In total, 12 teams played 18 games and provided representative opportunities for many young participants.

The U14 competition was closely contested throughout the day with a number of players producing impressive performances. The day began with an absolute bang, with Wang White and Albury Black going down to the wire and only a single point separating the teams when the final siren sounded! Next up, the Hume FL took on Albury Red, with the latter proving too strong running away with a 3-goal win. The third match of the day was another fiercely contested match with Tallangatta getting their carnival started with a 3-point win over Wang Green, inaccurate goal kicking costing the Wang side. The following two games were blowout victories for Wang White and Albury Black, while the final pool match was a classic between Tallangatta and Hume, with the latter sneaking over the line by 7 points. 

The 5th v 6th playoff match was between Wang Green and Hume, with the Wang side too strong in the end, allowing them to finish off their carnival with a 21-point victory. Christian Ashworth from Wang Green and Baxter Hamilton from Hume putting in best on ground performances for their teams. Albury Red and the TDFL faced off in the 3rd vs 4th playoff, with only one goal separating the two teams at the end of the contest. Tallangatta finished the stronger of the two, led by Cody Spencer and Chad Brookes who both booted 2 goals, while Tom Ford was given best on ground honours. While for the Albury Red team, the strong efforts of Mitchell Hack and Jaxson Bolger wasn’t enough to drag them over the line. 

The U14 Final was contested by the two undefeated teams in Wang White and Albury Black. The game promised to be a hotly contested match up and it did not disappoint. Wang White eventually proving to be the strongest squad of the U14’s comp, winning the final by 8 points, led by Max Bihun who was adjudged best on ground and booted a goal. The Player of the Carnival in the U14’s was awarded to Max Bihun (Wang White) from the Imperials Junior Football Club, capping off a dominant carnival where he was named best on ground for all 3 matches. 

Whilst the U16’s competition didn’t serve up as many nail biters as the U14’s, the level of talent on display was undeniable. Tallangatta got off to a flyer against Hume FL with an 18 to 0 win, with some more accurate goal kicking it could have seen the margin balloon out further! Albury Red put Wang Green to the sword in the second game, Zac Whitsed slotted 3 goals as they ran out 41-point victors. Game 3 saw Albury Black dominate Wang White, kicking 4.10 to 2.0, inaccurate kicking saving Wang from a heavy defeat. Wang Green opened their account against Hume in their second match with a 40-point victory, Matt Prestianni and Charlie Ross booting 2 goals apiece. Albury Black continued their winning ways, taking down Tallangatta, Charlie McGrath having a good game with 2 goals and featuring in the best. Albury Red put in an impressive performance against Wang White with a 19 point win, Whitsed again kicking 2 goals, while Charlie Philpotts from Wang White tried hard all game. 

The 5th v 6th match was a one-sided affair, with Wang White too strong for the Hume outfit. Juan-Lous Otto and Max Mahoney both booted 2 goals and Charlie Philpotts once again dominated the contest. Zac Sartore and Harry Plunkett capped off strong carnivals featuring in the best for Hume. 3rd vs 4th saw Wang Green and Tallangatta face off in a tight tussle, with the teams only separated by 2 goals in the end, Saxon Rosser leading the way for Wang Green with a goal and BOG performance. 

While we didn’t have many close games earlier in the day, the U16’s final between Albury Black and Albury Red bucked the trend! This final had it all, the contest had momentum swings and regular lead changes, with spectators on the edge of their seat for the entire match, literally right up until the final kick of the game. With the final siren gone and down by 3 points, Albury Red had a set shot from 50m out, which unfortunately for the Red team fell agonisingly short handing Albury Black the win! Fraser Bennett was the dominant performer for Albury Black and Liam Williams was named best on ground for Albury Red. The U16 competition Player of the Carnival was awarded to Charlie Philpotts (Wang White) from the Junior Magpies Football Club. 

Organisers were again delighted with the manner in which the Carnival was supported, the conduct of players, their team management and coaches as well as spectators. Planning for 2022 will begin shortly with leagues contributing to the annual review where suggested inclusions are submitted for consideration.