Finals fever is in full swing. The home and away season wrapped up in style, and our club is proud of the effort and commitment shown by every team this year. Four of our five sides have stormed into the top five, with both U12 and U14 sides in the mix for finals glory.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
U12 Benalla Black
Under picture perfect skies with a stunning mountain backdrop, Benalla Black took on the top-of-the-ladder Myrtleford in a spirited under-12 clash.
Myrtleford came out firing, slamming home 32 unanswered points in the first quarter and looking every bit the ladder leader. But Benalla Black weren’t about to roll over. From quarter time on, our young stars dug deep, slowing the Myrtleford momentum and making them earn every kick.
Our backline stood tall under constant pressure. Bentley Parker was a fearless ball hunter and a fierce protector of our goals. Matthew White delivered a gutsy, all-round performance, pulling double duty at full forward and in defence.
Jackson Quarrell sparked a fightback in the third with a standout quarter, slotting a major and lifting the team. Max Yuen-Francis was an absolute ruck machine. Hudson Butler was rock-solid down back, giving his all as always, while Bill Bourke played a blinder, completely shutting down one of Myrtleford’s key players.
While Benalla played the game out strongly, the team will have to bring their game to all four quarters to have success in the finals.
Goal kickers: Jackson Quarrell, Tom Lambert.
Best players: Max Yuen-Francis, Bentley Parker, Matthew White, Jackson Quarrell, Bill Bourke, Hudson Butler.
Score:
Myrtleford 9.3 (57) def
Benalla Black 2.3 (15)
U12 Benalla Red
Perfect conditions greeted players in the final home and away match of the season in what was a thrilling contest between Bright and Benalla Red. The first quarter was a fierce contest with Louis Horne hitting the scoreboard early, while Bright’s wayward kicking was costly.
The second term saw Bright capitalise on the scoreboard, taking a five-point lead into the main break. The second half saw a tough and tight tussle with Benalla clawing back the deficit and eventually hitting the lead. The ball spent the final nerve racking two minutes in the Bright forward line, however it was a committed Red outfit that held off a determined Bright side to claim a thrilling one-point victory.
Angus Roscoe was pivotal throughout the game driving the ball forward and laying multiple tackles throughout the day. Captain Beriman and vice-captain Sheehan stood up in critical moments with utility Manny Bourke playing a stellar game.
Louis Horne played his best match of the year taking several strong marks finishing off with two majors. The backline was outstanding with Ted Clancy telling late, assisted by the rocksteady Harry Sharp and Harley Kupke.
The confident Red outfit will now take on Centrals in week one of the finals.
Goal kickers: Louis Horne, Ted Sheehan 2, Max Reynolds, Spencer Whitechurch
Best players: Xavier Beriman, Harley Kupke, Louis Horne, Manny Bourke, Ted Clancy, Harry Sharp
Score:
Bright 5.8 (38) def by
Benalla Red 6.3 (39)
U14 Benalla Black
The last home and away game saw Black travel to McNamara Reserve to take on second placed Myrtleford. The first quarter was a low scoring affair, as the pressure applied by both sides did not allow for a free-flowing style of play. Jakobi Williams was a focal point for Black up forward, leading hard and creating great forward pressure.
Josh Montgomery was relishing the wide-open space the Myrtleford ground had to offer and his hard running and long, penetrating kicking was a worry for the opposition. Charlie Bell worked hard winning numerous contested balls through sheer strength and determination.
In the second half Benalla began to get its system working with all players playing their role. Ryan White began to attack the ball with more intensity working in and under feeding the ball to teammates in better position.
Not to be out done, Nicholas White was enjoying his time in the midfield stemming many of Myrtleford’s attacking moves whilst driving the ball deep into attack for Black. Josh Bamford was his ever-clever self, reading the play well and positioning himself into dangerous positions being the link from defence into attack.
Black’s backline had been steadfast all day, no better example of this than Zane Peisley who marked everything that came his way and attacked the ground ball, taking the game on in the last line of defence.
Every Black player contributed to a stirring come-from-behind win in what was an undermanned side. We thank Myrtleford for lending players for us to field a side.
Goal kickers: Ollie Parker, Riley Hilton 2, Nicholas White, Jakobi Williams, Ollie Wardill.
Best players: Josh Montgomery, Charlie Bell, Ryan White, Nicholas White, Zane Peisley, Josh Bamford
Score:
Myrtleford 6.7 (43) def by
Benalla Black 8.4 (52)
U14 Benalla Red
On a beautiful day perfect for football, Benalla Red took on Centrals and delivered a dominant 91-point victory, winning 18.11 (119) to 3.10 (28). From the first bounce, Benalla looked switched on, controlling the contest and keeping the scoreboard ticking over. The midfield was once again led superbly by Jack Pollard, whose excellent form continued with clean clearances, hard running, and pinpoint delivery to the forwards.
The team’s work rate and cohesion were a standout, with selfless play opening up scoring opportunities all over the ground. A highlight of the day was Georgia Trethowan slotting two goals, the most she’s ever kicked in a game, as her teammates rallied around her in celebration. The backline held strong under pressure, repelling Centrals’ forward entries and turning defence into attack with composure and skill.
Benalla’s pressure around the ball and commitment to playing for each other was evident in every quarter, and the scoreboard reflected their dominance. With finals approaching, the side’s confidence is building, and the “smell of September” is certainly in the air. If they can maintain this level of intensity and teamwork, Benalla Red will be a force to be reckoned with in the weeks ahead.
Goal kickers: Tom Mount, Jude Binion, Cash Nolen 3, Xavier De Fazio, Harry Bast, Georgia Trethowan 2, Tyson Williams, Eli McKean, Jack Pollard
Best players: Jack Pollard, Tom Mount, Jude Binion, Jack Hart, Charlie Pollard, Xavier De Fazio
Score:
Centrals JFC 3.10 (28) def by
Benalla Red 18.11 (119)
U17 Benalla
Benalla’s under-17 team concluded the 2025 season on Saturday against the third-placed Wangaratta Tigers at Barr Reserve.
Unfortunately, the young Benalla side was missing several players due to injuries and unavailability, leading them to enter the game without a bench. The match began positively for Benalla, as they kicked early goals. However, the home side quickly responded, establishing a 19-point lead by quarter time.
Versatile onballer Hunter Carter set a strong tone in the opening minutes, alongside teammates Nate Nicholas and Angus Richardson.
With dangerous forwards Josh Byers and Kobi Thwaites creating scoring opportunities, Benalla managed to keep pace with the stronger Tigers. Defensively, the team was well-supported by first-year players Jackson Fry, Harrison Skelton, Riley McCarthy, Mason Willett, Luke Boulton, and Liam Fielding.
New recruit Trevor Maru started the game strongly, before a corked leg saw him play deep in the goal square. Trevor has been a revelation for the Benalla side, playing the last five games of the season after recently moving to Benalla.
Co-captains Lucas Ham and Bryce Cooney finished the season strongly, demonstrating exceptional leadership during a challenging year. Tom Osborne also had his best game of the season, competing effectively across the half-forward line along with Boden Hazell and Josh Ward.
Unfortunately, the finals-bound Tigers proved too strong, scoring nine goals to Benalla’s two after halftime, resulting in a comprehensive victory.
Josh Byers had an impressive performance, kicking a season-high three goals, while Noah Hogan and Nate Nicholas each contributed one goal. Despite finishing the season with only one win, the team’s development bodes well for the players in future seasons.
Special thanks go to coaches Jared Brennan, Jarrad Thwaites and Darren Skelton for their mentoring and support throughout the year.
A huge thank you also goes to team manager Kerryn Thwaites for her dedication to the team and the well-being of all the players.
Goal kickers: Josh Byers 3, Noah Hogan, Nate Nicholas.
Best players: Hunter Carter, Joshua Byers, Kobi Thwaites, Nate Nicholas, Angus Richardson, Riley McCarthy.
Score:
Tigers 17.8 (110) def
Benalla 5.3 (33)
Come and show your support this weekend
Finals Round 1, Sunday 17 August @ Wangaratta Showgrounds
8.30am – Benalla U12 Red vs Centrals JFC – elimination final
9.50am - Benalla U12 Black vs Bright JFC – qualifying final
11.10am – Benalla U14s Black and Red face off in an elimination final.
Contributed content