The Benalla U12 Black side celebrate Mother’s Day.
Round five of the Benalla and District Junior Football season was about more than just footy - it was a heartfelt celebration of the incredible women who support our teams week in, week out.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Across the grounds, teams honoured the mums and important women with meaningful gestures, from a touching slideshow featuring photos and messages from players, to the post-match flower presentations and team photos capturing lasting memories.
The day was filled with smiles, hugs, and a real sense of gratitude, a powerful reminder that football isn’t just about the game, but about the community and the people who make it all possible.
U12 Benalla Black
Benalla Black U12s pushed Myrtleford to the wire, and while they didn’t get the chocolates, they gave mums plenty to cheer about in a gripping Mother’s Day contest against Myrtleford at Oval 2, Benalla Showgrounds.
Myrtleford burst out of the blocks, taking a 19-8 lead at quarter time. But Benalla, true to form, dug deep. With grit, guts, and no shortage of heart, they clawed their way back into the game. The contest was fierce and full of flair, but Myrtleford held on in a nail-biter.
Ollie ‘Everywhere’ Ross was sensational, popping up in all the right places, especially when it mattered most. Linc Richardson was a rock down back, turning defence into attack with his cool head and booming boot.
Caleb ‘Big Boot’ Thwaites delivered yet another gutsy performance, and Tyson Brown kept the pressure on with strong play across the ground.
Jimmy Jackson slotted three majors, while Archer Pickering chipped in with one of his own. Special shoutout to Auskicker legends Archer Pickering and Hunter Symes for their skill, energy and support. A cracking game from start to finish.
Well played, team — and a big Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mums!
Score:
Benalla Black U12 4.5 (29) def by Myrtleford JCF U12s 5.3 (33)
Goal Kickers: Jimmy Jackson 3, Archer Pickering
Best Players: Ollie Ross, Jimmy Jackson, Linc Richardson, Caleb Thwaites, Tom Lambert, Tyson Brown
U12 Benalla Red
The U12 Red side take a photo with their mums after the Mother’s Day clash on Sunday.
Warm conditions greeted players for a special Mother’s Day clash vs Bright at Arundel Street Precinct.
The Bright outfit placed substantial pressure on Benalla’s defence in the first term, however the rock solid defence held up and kept the scoreboard respectable.
The second term was an arm wrestle with neither side scoring a major. Benalla was full of run in the third term placing immense pressure on Bright, and even hit the lead for the first time with running machine Max Reynolds and Louis Horne slotting impressive goals.
Bright, however, answered by finishing the third quarter strong, taking a two-goal lead into the final quarter. The young Red outfit never relented, but went down to a power Bright outfit to the tune of 19 points.
The defensive unit of Clancy, Gall, Woodhams and the Staggard twins were phenomenal with the mosquito fleet of Reynold, Whitechurch, Davies and Pickering providing multiple forward drives, with Teddy Sheehan providing a strong target throughout the day.
Score:
Benalla Red U12 3.3 (21) def by Bright JFC U12s 5.10 (40)
Goal Kickers: Max Reynolds 2, Louis Horne.
Best Players: Max Reynolds, Ted Clancy, Ted Sheehan, Ben Staggard, Ron Staggard, Bodie Gall.
U14 Benalla Black
The mothers of the under-14 Black side on Mother’s Day.
On a beautiful Mother’s Day morning Black welcomed Myrtleford to the Showgrounds.
Benalla got off to a slow start, which against a good side you cannot afford to do. Myrtleford capitalised on this and slammed home nine goals to Benalla’s one for the quarter.
At the break changes were made to try and stem the flow, Riley Hilton was moved from attack into defence and played a great game, using his strength to outmuscle numerous opponents. Ben Wells was again tireless, trying to lift teammates around him but alas, there were too many passengers for Black.
Josh Montgomery played in a number of positions throughout the day and his attack at the ball was fantastic. He along with Lucas Webster were trying to bridge the margin for Benalla.
The back six had been under enormous pressure all day but the likes of Jack Christie and Zane Peisley stood strong all day. Myrtleford wad slick with its ball movement, and the ability to create a loose man with clever foot passing created havoc for Black.
Although well beaten by a well drilled team, Benalla fought the game out and left the ground with their heads up.
Score:
Benalla Black U14 4.1 (25) def by Myrtleford JFC U14 22.12 (144)
Goal Kickers: Ollie Parker, Ryan White, Ben Wells, Ollie Wardill
Best Players: Riley Hilton, Ben Wells, Josh Montgomery, Lucas Webster, Zane Peisley, Jack Christie.
U14 Benalla Red
In a thrilling Mother’s Day Round matchup, Mansfield JFC U14s Blue edged out Benalla U14s Red in a nail-biting contest, securing a 9.12.66 to 9.7.61 victory.
The day kicked off with an inspiring speech from Mel Hart, emphasising the significance of motherhood and setting the tone for a passionate game.
Benalla Red came out strong, showcasing impressive teamwork and determination. Thomas Mount was unstoppable in front of goal, slotting five majors, while Harry Bast contributed two and Charlie Bowen, along with Xavier De Fazio, added one each.
The midfielders and defenders fought hard, with standout performances from Xavier De Fazio, Jack Hart, Thomas Mount, Noah Cooney, Angus Leavold, and Cash Nolen.
However, Mansfield Blue proved to be just that little bit sharper, holding their nerve in the final moments to clinch the win. Their consistent pressure and accuracy in front of goal made the difference, ensuring they took home the points.
Though Benalla fell short, they demonstrated resilience and skill, proving they will be a force to reckon with in the coming rounds. A game filled with grit, talent, and heart—the perfect way to celebrate the spirit of Mother’s Day!
Score:
Benalla Red U14 9.7 (61) def by Mansfield JFC U14 9.12 (66)
Goal Kickers: Tom Mount 5, Harry Bast 2, Xavier DeFazio, Charlie Bowen
Best Players: Xavier DeFazio, Jack Hart, Tom Mount, Noah Cooney, Angus Leavold, Cash Nolen.
U17 Benalla
Benalla’s under-17 side with their mums on Sunday.
Benalla under-17s delivered their best four-quarter performance at the Benalla Showgrounds on Sunday against Myrtleford. The team started strongly, dominating much of the first quarter and scoring two goals, although they struggled to fully capitalise on their opportunities.
Forwards Angus Richardson and Josh Byers were particularly active, working hard up the ground and winning many contests. Byers proved to be a challenge for the defenders, taking a series of strong contested marks.
Captains Lucas Ham and Bryce Cooney provided strong leadership in the midfield, with Cooney making good use of the spacious Showgrounds to showcase his leg speed. Defenders Hunter Carter, Riley McCarthy, Harry Skelton, and Logan Hyland collaborated effectively across half-back to thwart the Saints’ repeated forward attacks.
Ruckman Hudson Blyss competed vigorously, winning his share of tap-outs. With the score closely contested for much of the game, Benalla started the final quarter with great energy.
Kobi Thwaites and Noah Hogan hit the scoreboard, putting the home team in front. Thwaites finished the game with two goals and played his best match of the season.
Credit goes to Myrtleford for their tenacity, as they fought back in the closing stages to win by 12 points.
