It was a clean sweep for Benalla’s junior footballers at the weekend, with all five teams notching impressive wins in foggy and frosty conditions.

Benalla’s under-12s set the tone early with dominant wins from both Red and Black sides.

The under-14s continued their impressive form, with Black mastering the Mansfield chill and Red flexing their four-quarter strength to post a triple-figure total.

And in a well-earned breakthrough, the under-17s claimed their first win of the season against the Magpies.

U12 Benalla Black

Benalla Black powered to a dominant 62-point win over the Wangaratta Tigers on a foggy morning at North Wangaratta Sports Reserve—conditions so thick you could lose your boots in it.

From the first bounce, Benalla was switched on. Tyson Brown lit it up with three majors, while Jimmy Jackson played a starring role with two goals, smart decision-making, and relentless pressure. Caleb Thwaites was equally impressive - winning the ball, running hard both ways, and slotting a tidy goal.

It was, however, a complete team effort, with many players rotating through new roles to broaden their skills. Rhys Kelly came alive in the final term, dominating the wing and setting up two late goals in his best game yet. Blake Piggott stood strong all game with some beautiful bumps and tackles, playing well both in the centre and in the forward line.

Matty White floated everywhere and was always in the right spot, reading the play beautifully and pushing up when needed. Owen Schirmer brought the energy, using the ball well and snapping a clever goal. Lachie Osborne didn’t waste a touch and played a ripping four-quarter game. Ollie Ross made the most of every chance, stepping through traffic to set up a brilliant last-quarter goal.

Score:

Tigers 0.1 (1) def by

Benalla Black 9.9 (63)

Goal Kickers: Tyson Brown 3, Jimmy Jackson 2, Caleb Thwaites, Owen Schirmer, Jackson Quarrell, Max Yuen-Francis.

Best Players: Lachie Osborne, Jimmy Jackson, Caleb Thwaites, Ollie Ross, Owen Schirmer, Matthew White.

U12 Benalla Red

A frosty and foggy morning greeted both teams at the Wangaratta Showgrounds for what ended up being a strong four quarter showing from the Benalla Red outfit.

The Benalla midfield rotated heavily with Beriman, Roscoe, Davies and McKenzie all playing stellar games. The Benalla defence worked hard as a unit thwarting numerous Magpie attacks over four quarters.

The Benalla forward line looked dangerous all day with powerhouses Mihan and Sheehan (4 goals) dominant in the air and on the ground. Classy utility Manny Bourke was electric throughout the match leading Benalla to a strong 63 point win.

Score:

Magpies 0.1 (1) def by

Benalla Red 9.10 (64)

Goal Kickers: Teddy Sheehan 4, Maximus Reynolds, Jonathan Goodwin, Ted Clancy, Angus Roscoe, Manny Bourke.

Best Players: Teddy Sheehan, Jack Davies, Jack McKenzie, Manny Bourke, Ted Clancy, Logan Mihan.

U14 Benalla Black

Despite the sub-zero temperatures at Mansfield, Benalla got off to a hot start with the mid-field on top early.

Josh Bamford relished his time in the middle, and Riley Hilton was dominant in the ruck after moving from the forward line, his tap ruck work giving first use to the on-ball brigade.

The conditions dictated the need for a no fuss simple game plan, driving the ball forward by whatever means necessary. Lucas Webster continued his good form from last week and was rock solid in defence with his straight line running and bone jarring tackles. Braydan Jacobs ran hard all day on his wing weather in defence or attack with great linking plays.

As the game wore on Black began to get their system working, with Josh Montgomery’s telling long kicking putting enormous pressure on the Mansfield defence as the ball began to become heavy.

Benalla was handling the conditions better with some great switching plays involving Hugh Ross, Ryan White and Ben Wells. Ollie Parker was clever up forward sneaking under the guard of the Mansfield defence, he along with Ollie Wardill keeping the scoreboard ticking along.

At the other end of the ground Nicholas White had been industrious with his ability to find teammates in a better position. Charlie Bell made a welcome return to form winning the contested ball and delivering the ball with some superb foot passing, as Black went on to record a strong win in trying conditions.

Score:

Mansfield Yellow 1.1 (7) def by

Benalla Black 9.9 (63)

Goal Kickers: Ollie Wardill 3, Ollie Parker, Jimmy Jackson 2, Josh Bamford, Josh Montgomery.

Best Players: Josh Montgomery, Riley Hilton, Charlie Bell, Ollie Parker, Lucas Webster, Brayden Jacobs.

U14 Benalla Red

Benalla Red continued their dominant form with a strong performance against the Junior Magpies at the Wangaratta Showgrounds, securing a comprehensive 102-point victory.

From the opening bounce, Benalla set the tone with clean ball movement, relentless pressure, and strong teamwork across the ground. The midfield group worked hard all day to win clearances and provide their forwards with plenty of opportunities.

Jack Hart and Jack Pollard were standout performers, consistently winning contested possessions and setting up play with smart decision-making. Up forward, Benalla shared the scoring load well. Thomas Mount and Jude Binion were influential in both creating and finishing off scoring opportunities.

Angus Leavold also made a strong impact in defence, providing strong marking and excellent leadership. The team’s ability to play a four-quarter game was on full display, with every player contributing to the final scoreline. The final result was a testament to their hard work, discipline, and team-first attitude

Score:

Magpies 3.3 (21) def by

Benalla Red 18.15 (123)

Goal Kickers: Tom Mount, Xavier De Fazio 3, Jude Binion, Harry Bast 2, Jack Hart, Jack Pollard, Cash Nolen, Tyson Williams, Tom Snell, Eli McKean, Charlie Pollard, Teddy Sheehan.

Best Players: Jack Hart, Jack Pollard, Xavier De Fazio, Tom Mount, Jude Binion, Angus Leavold.

U17 Benalla

Benalla broke through for its first win of the season in a tightly contested match against Wangaratta Magpies on Saturday.

After the U12s and 14s kicked the frost off the immaculate Wangaratta Showgrounds surface, Benalla started the game strongly kicking three goals to one to take a 14-point lead into the first change.

Benalla’s midfielders were dominant thanks to the ruck work of Hudson Blyss who continues to learn his craft against often older and stronger opponents.

Jack in the box forward Kobi Thwaites was dangerous, with his speed, agility and strong overhead marking causing headaches for the Magpies’ defence.

In an even second term, Benalla’s defensive unit led by Angus Richardson was kept busy as the home side turned up the heat. Bryce Cooney, Riley McCarthy, Jackson Fry and Harry “Lizard” Skelton competed strongly to limit the damage on the scoreboard to just one goal.

With both sides contesting strongly, it was again Thwaites who turned attacks into goals as Benalla maintained a four-point lead at three quarter time. With the game in the balance, the sheriff of the forward line, Jack ‘Texas’ Walker clunked a couple of big marks, while Josh Ward showed what he is capable of with his best quarter of the season.

Co-captain Bryce Cooney iced the game late in the last quarter with an excellent running goal off half-back. The win is great reward for the Under 17s side, which despite its lack of on-field success, has continued to perform strongly against strong and older opposition. Thwaites finished the game with a season high four goals.

The game was excellently umpired by volunteer Damien Cooney who doubled up after officiating the U14s.

Score:

Magpies 5.6 (36) def by

Benalla 7.5 (47)

Goal Kickers: Kobi Thwaites 4, Nate Nicholas, Bryce Cooney, Tom Osborne.

Best Players: Hunter Carter, Nate Nicholas, Kobi Thwaites, Angus Richardson, Bryce Cooney, Hudson Blyss.

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Friday, 19th December 2025

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