A cracking weekend of junior footy saw Benalla’s teams hit the road and the scoreboard in style, with strong showings across all age groups in round 10 of the Wangaratta and District Junior Football League.

From the U12s lighting up Wangaratta with skill and energy, to dominant U14 performances at Mansfield and a gallant effort by the U17s, as well as fresh faces stepping up and familiar names continuing to impress, the future of Benalla footy continues to look bright.

U12 Benalla Black

Benalla Black stormed into Wangaratta on Sunday with a spring in their step — and left with a well-earned win over the Magpies. The sun made a cheeky appearance for the first quarter, but it was Benalla that lit up the scoreboard.

After a slow-burning first term, Benalla broke the game open, rotating players through a variety of positions with confidence.

New recruits Leroy McKenzie and Jett Turner made their mark early, as Leroy found plenty of the ball and looked right at home, while Jett had a red-hot crack in multiple positions and almost snagged a debut goal.

Frank Christie had his best game yet, with elite kicking and running power. Owen Schirmer was electric, slotting three goals and buzzing around the forward line like a true pocket rocket.

Caleb Thwaites, Jimmy Jackson, Lachie Osborne, Tom Lambert and Bill Bourke all stood tall, with Bill showing his versatility across ruck and marking contests. Great to see Toby Fitzgerald back in action with a strong midfield effort.

Score:

Magpies 2.2 (14) def by

Benalla Black 10.11 (71)

Goal Kickers: Owen Shirmer 3, Jackson Quarrell, Jimmy Jackson 2, Caleb Thwaites, Oliver Ross, Max Yuen-Francis.

Best Players: Lachie Osborne, Jimmy Jackson, Caleb Thwaites, Frank Christies, Tom Lambert, Owen Shirmer.

U12 Benalla Red

A mass of spectators turned out to see a great weekend of junior football at Barr Reserve in Wangaratta on Sunday with what turned out to be a quality match played between Benalla Red and Wangaratta Tigers.

The match was an arm wrestle in the first half with the Tigers playing a high level of football and restricting scoring opportunities for Benalla. After the main break the young reds outfit turned on the afterburners scoring four unanswered goals in the third term, setting up the victory and pushing the margin out to 40 points at the final siren.

First year sensation Harley Kupke set up the victory playing a committed and skilful brand of football both on ball and in defence. Another key defender Bodie Gall continued his impressive form, thwarting many attacks and winning most of his one on one match ups.

Teddy Sheehan had a tough matchup early however the vice captain worked hard to stamp his influence on the game playing multiple roles and hitting the scoreboard. Jonathan Goodwin also played his strongest game of the year looking dangerous in the forward half with Logan Mihan also providing a strong contest throughout the day.

Jack Davies was the pick of Benalla’s on-ball brigade working tirelessly over four quarters.

Final score:

Tigers 1.3 (9) def by

Benalla Red 7.7 (49)

Goal Kickers: Teddy Sheehan, Maximus Reynolds, Hudson Pickering, Jonathan Goodwin, Ted Clancy, Louis Horne, Jack Davies.

Best Players: Harley Kupke, Ted Sheehan, Jack Davies, Bodie Gall, Jonathan Goodwin, Logan Mihan.

U14 Benalla Black

With player numbers at a premium, Benalla and Mansfield fielded 16 players respectively.

From the first bounce it was evident that Black had come to play. Charlie Bell was attacking the ball with ferocity at centre half back winning the disputed ball and driving the ball deep into attack for Benalla.

The forward line was working well together, Ollie Wardill and Jakobi Williams were creating headaches for the Mansfield defence as Benalla kept driving the ball forward through the agency of Ryan White, Hugh Ross and co. Ben Wells worked tirelessly all day, in and under the packs.

Josh Bamford was relishing the extra space that 16 a side had created, his awareness and ability to find space was creating some great linking plays. Josh Montgomery’s long penetration kicking began to take a toll on Mansfield, delivering the ball to the forwards with silver service allowing the likes of Ollie Parker to create further scoreboard pressure on Mansfield.

Lucas Webster went from defence into attack and had an immediate impact, as he would go onto finish with four goals for the game.

Nicholas White had been industrious at half back, spotting up teammates in better position enabling switching of the play catching Mansfield out on numerous occasions. Jordan Streader played his best game of the season to date and was rewarded for his hard work with a goal.

Score:

Mansfield Blue 2.4 (16) def by

Benalla Black 17.5 (107)

Goal Kickers: Lucas Webster 4, Ollie Wardill, Ollie Parker 3, Hugh Ross, Josh Montgomery 2, Josh Bamford, Jordan Streader, Jakobi Williams.

Best Players: Charlie Bell, Lucas Webster, Nicholas White, Josh Montgomery, Ollie Parker, Hugh Ross.

U14 Benalla Red

Benalla Red continued its winning streak with a commanding 114-point win over Mansfield Yellow at Mansfield. With snow in the distance, Benalla set the tone with fast ball movement, clean skills and relentless pressure across the ground.

Jack Pollard was outstanding through the midfield, consistently winning clearances and setting up attacking plays, while Charlie Pollard impressed with his ruck work around the ground. Sam Mount was rock-solid in defence, repelling numerous Mansfield forward entries and showing great leadership across half-back.

Jack Hart and Noah Cooney provided plenty of run and drive, linking up well through the middle and delivering cleanly inside 50, where Benalla’s forwards capitalised on their opportunities. Jude Binion continued his strong form, applying pressure and contributing to several scoring chains with smart decision-making and quick hands, and may be a full back in the making?

A big game this weekend with the Red's hosting top of the table College in what shapes as the match of the season.

Score:

Mansfield Yellow 2.7 (19) def by

Benalla Red 20.13 (133)

Goal Kickers: Tom Mount, Jude Binion 4, Jack Hart 3, Cash Nolen, Harry Bast 2, Xavier DeFazio, Tyson Williams, Tom Snell, Charlie Pollard, Charlie Bowen.

Best Players: Jack Pollard, Charlie Pollard, Jack Hart, Sam Mount, Noah Cooney, Jude Binion.

U17 Benalla

Hot off the heels of their first win for the 2025 season, Benalla went into its round 10 match against Wangaratta Tigers full of confidence.

With some familiar faces out of the team, including co-captain Lucas Ham, Benalla welcomed Ryder Robertson, Logan Hyland and Trevor Maru into the side for the first time this season.

Robertson started the game in the best way possible kicking the opening goal of the match. Despite again having its fair share of possession, Benalla was unable to convert on the scoreboard. The Tigers on the other hand took advantage of their opportunities, kicking four goals to lead at quarter time by 22 points.

Young ruckman Hudson Blyss was again productive for Benalla, using his athleticism to out work his much bigger opponents.

Midfielder Nate Nicholas continue his rich vein of form, winning contested possessions and setting the standard for pressure and tackling.

In defence, Angus Richardson, Bryce Cooney, Harry Skelton, Jackson Fry, Lachy Randell and Luke “Flash” Boulton combined well to keep Benalla in the game.

To the Tigers’ credit, they continued to take their chances in front of goal to lead by 33 points at half time.

Needing a big third quarter, Benalla played its best football of the season, with Blyss, Nicholas, Kobi Thwaites, and Hunter Carter dominating the centre clearances and creating scoring opportunities.

The increased effort across the ground saw Benalla kick four goals while keeping the home side scoreless to peg back the lead to just nine points.

Not to be outdone, Tigers kicked five goals to zero in the last quarter to win the match.

For Benalla, Nicholas was adjudged the best for his tenacious attack on the ball, while defenders Richardson, Fry and Skelton were solid contributors. Lively forward Boden Hazell played his best game for the season, while Thwaites continued his consistent form.

Robertson kicked a match high four goals, while Noah Hogan and Josh Ward each kicked one.

Score:

Tigers 11.16 (82) def

Benalla 6.4 (40)

Goal Kickers: Ryder Robertson 4, Noah Hogan, Josh Ward.

Best Players: Nate Nicholas, Angus Richardson, Jackson Fry, Harry Skelton, Boden Hazell, Kobi Thwaites.

Benalla Ensign Google News Panels

Sunday, 16th February 2025

Your Afternoon Headlines

Publish Panels