Benalla juniors celebrate first ever Gather Round

The day kicked off with an exhibition match by the Auskick girls teams – well done girls! Five exciting junior matches followed, played across two ovals, before the afternoon wrapped up with the club raffle draw and a host of lucky winners.

Special guests in attendance included Benalla Mayor Bernie Hearn, Councillor Justin King and AFL North East Border Regional Manager Zac Hedin, who presented the Best on Ground recipients for each match with a Sherrin football.

Best on Ground Recipients:

• U12 Benalla Black v Centrals: Jimmy Jackson

• U12 Benalla Red v Imperials: Teddy Sheehan

• U14 Benalla Red v Imperials: Jack Hart

• U14 Benalla Black v Centrals: Josh Montgomery

• U17 Benalla v Centrals: Kaiden Wholers (Centrals)

Club president Shannon Parker reflected on the success of the day, hailing it a huge success.

“It’s inspiring to see so many young players enjoying their footy in such a welcoming setting,” he said.

“With development opportunities on show, from Auskick to U17s, the day highlighted the pathway for young athletes and the strong junior football culture being built in Benalla.

“Gather Round shows what’s possible when our community comes together to support junior sport - it was a brilliant day all round.”

Well done to the Benalla and District Junior Football Committee for another well-run and memorable game day.

U12 Benalla Black

Under a crisp autumn sky, two of the U12 powerhouses clashed in the first-ever Gather Round held in Benalla. It was Benalla Black who roared home with a dominant win over the competition leaders Wangaratta Centrals.

The first quarter was tight, with both teams battling through a congested midfield. But as the game opened up, Benalla’s ability to run into space and link up cleanly saw them take control quarter by quarter. It was a true team performance - every player contributing to a well-oiled machine.

Caleb Thwaites was sharp and composed, reading the ball with precision. Ollie Ross brought elite-level pressure, earning his "little beast" title again.

Jack Crook stuck to his opponent like glue and is showing real reward for his hard work at training. Jimmy Jackson lit up the scoreboard with five goals - another best-on-ground performance.

Max returned to the midfield after a 3-week break and gave the team a huge structural boost. Matthew White played multiple roles like a true trojan, while Billy Bourke was electric with 3 goals, proving dangerous wherever he lined up.

Score:

Benalla Black U12 19.6 (120) def

Centrals JFC U12s 4.4 (28)

Goal Kickers: Jimmy Jackson 5, Billy Bourke, Archer Pickering 3, Hunter Symes, Owen Schirmer 2, Tyson Brown, Lincoln Richardson, Ollie Ross, Jackson Quarrell.

Best players: Jimmy Jackson, Caleb Thwaite, Ollie Ross, Max Yuen- Francis, Matty White, Linc Richardson.

U12 Benalla Red

On the first annual Gather Round event Benalla Red looked to get back on the winners list facing Imperials.

Benalla jumped out of the blocks early with the dynamic duo of Teddy Sheehan and Ted Clancy providing a strong contest which continued throughout the match. Taking an early lead, Benalla’s fast ball movement and team play was a key factor in keeping the scoreboard ticking over, ultimately taking a strong 41-point lead into the main break.

Roscoe and Gall provided the Benalla on-ballers first use throughout the day with Davies, Smith (3 goals) and McKenzie driving the ball forward on multiple occasions.

Standout first year player Max Reynolds continued his stellar form kicking three majors, while inspirational skipper Xavier Beriman and Benji McKean provided a springboard from defence.

First year players Fielding, Goodwin and Woodhams were also fierce in the contest playing their best games for the season. Benalla proved too strong running away with a 68 point victory.

After the match the umpires voted the best on ground award to the versatile big man Teddy Sheehan, who took home a brand new Sherrin football.

Score:

Benalla Red U12 12.8 (80) def

Imperials JFC U12s 2.0 (12)

Goal Kickers: Toby Smith, Maximus Reynolds 3, Ted Clancy 2, Spencer Whitechurch, Jack Davies, Tory Woodhams, Logan Mihan.

Best Players: Ted Clancy, Xavier Beriman, Toby Smith, Jack Davies, Teddy Sheehan and Benji McKean.

U14 Benalla Black

Black was looking to redeem themselves after a lack lustre performance last round. The message was a simple one, attack the ball with purpose and intensity and the score board would look after itself.

The midfield was on top early with repeated forward 50 entries giving the forwards silver service. The two Ollie’s in Wardill and Parker were dangerous all day, the former with five goals and the latter with four goals.

Josh Montgomery appeared to have brought his own ball at times popping up all over the ground and finishing the day with four of his own goals. Small forward Josh Bamford was as clever as ever with superior foot passing along with great forward pressure beating two and three opponents at times.

Alex Lambert played his best game for the season to date, hitting the packs hard and winning the contested football keeping the opposition on its toes. Hugh Ross was dangerous all day in both the middle and forward with damaging foot passing setting up team mates further afield.

A highlight for the day was Zane Peisley’s first ever goal! A great team orientated game.

Score:

Benalla Black U14 17.10 (112) def

Centrals JFC U14 2.1 (13)

Goal Kickers: Ollie Wardill 5, Josh Montgomery, Ollie Parker 4, Josh Bamford, Hugh Ross, Ryan White, Zane Peisley.

Best Players: Josh Montgomery, Riley Hilton, Josh Bamford, Hugh Ross, Ollie Wardill, Alex Lambert.

U14 Benalla Red

Benalla Red’s Under 14s delivered a commanding performance in the first Gather Round, securing a dominant 134-33 victory over Imperials.

From the opening bounce, Benalla Red took control, executing clean ball movement and relentless pressure. Leading the charge was Cash Nolen, slotting four goals, while Jude Binion, Thomas Mount, and Harry Bast each contributed three majors, ensuring their side remained well ahead.

Jack Hart, Xavier De Fazio, Cash Nolen, Jude Binion, Tom Mount and Jack Pollard were instrumental in maintaining possession and driving the ball forward.

Despite the scoreboard difference, Imperials fought hard, showing resilience and determination, but struggled against the polished attack of Benalla Red. As the game progressed, Benalla Red continued to pile on goals, widening the margin and solidifying their dominance.

Benalla Red still have areas to work on during this weeks training sessions to be ready for a strong Mansfield side this week.

Score:

Benalla Red U14 21.8 (134) def

Imperials JFC U14 4.9 (33)

Goal Kickers: Cash Nolen 4, Tom Mount, Jude Binion, Harry Bast 3, Jack Hart , Angus Levold 2, Xavier DeFazio, Jack Pollard, Charlie Bowen, Eli McKean.

Best Players: Jack Hart, Xavier DeFazio, Cash Nolen, Jude Binion, Tom Mount, Jack Pollard.

U17 Benalla

Another solid performance from the under 17s this week. The strong form of Lucas Ham, Braedon Blackford and Hunter Carter continued.

It was another week where the scoreboard didn’t really reflect the game, but credit to our boys that continue to try each week.

Hudson Blyss was a standout in the ruck for the day. Our smalls continued to make the most of their opportunities with ball in hand with Noah Hogan and Kobi Thwaites’s at each end having an impact.

The wins are yet to come but the improvement across the team has been a real pleasure for the coaching staff to see.

Score:

Benalla U17 4.4 (28) def by

Centrals JFC U17 12.9 (81)

Goal Kickers: Boden Hazell, Toby Reeve, Angus Richardson, Josh Byers.

Best Players: Hunter Carter, Braedon Blackford, Lucas Ham, Noah Hogan, Kobi Thwaites, Hudson Blyss.

FREE Club Umpire Session.

Wednesday 4 June 2025, 6-7.30pm, Benalla Showgrounds.

Presented by AFL NEB and AFL Vic. We encourage any of our junior parents who are interested in helping out with goal, boundary and field umpiring to attend.