Sport
24 June, 2025
MCDFNL’s next generation shines bright at Sunday’s interleague matches
The Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League (MCDFNL) showcased the best and brightest local stars in the making, facing off against the Horsham District Football Netball League (HDFNL) in several junior interleague matches.
The two leagues battled it out across five fixtures on the football field and netball court at Avoca on Sunday, with under 13, 15, and 17 games in netball and under 14.5 and 17.5 in football.
The action kicked off with the under 14.5 football, where the MCDFNL stormed out to a two-goal lead by quarter time.
Despite a late comeback from the HDFNL after leading by 16 points at three-quarter time, the MCDFNL managed to see out the contest, winning 5.6.(36) to 4.3.(27).
Navarre’s Morgan Greenaway was awarded best on ground for the MCDFNL, while Carisbrook’s Billy Rumpff and Natte’s Ollie Ross also played well in the victory.
Similarly to their under 14.5 counterparts, the under 17.5 footballers also got off to a fantastic start, building an 11-point advantage at the first break.
However, a five-goal to one second term for the HDFNL turned the game on its head, as the visitors took a 14-point lead into half time.
With their backs against the wall, the MCDFNL dug deep and produced a fantastic comeback, kicking eight goals to two in the second half to win 12.7.(79) to 8.8.(56).
Natte’s Archie Chadwick showed some characteristics of Natte seniors legend and under 17.5 interleague co-coach Trent Mortlock, named best on ground for his commanding presence up forward.
Carisbrook’s Brian Shafik-Eid and Harcourt’s Mitch McKnight ensured Chadwick got the service he needed, often coming away from the contest with the ball.
Fresh off some encouraging results at the Western Association Championships in Warrnambool earlier this month, the MCDFNL’s netball teams were quietly confident they could follow the football sides with good results against the HDFNL.
The under 13s had a promising start in the first quarter, but the HDFNL pulled away in the second quarter, leading to a 44-18 victory for the visitors.
The under 15s similarly were in touching distance of the HDFNL throughout the match after a competitive first quarter, but couldn’t close the gap, eventually going down 33-21.
Avoca’s Shayla Blair was named best on ground for the MCDFNL, while Louella Roche also impressed in the midcourt.
Looking to earn the MCDFNL their first victory on the netball court, the under 17s brought the fight to the HDFNL, with both teams sitting all square at 18 each at half time.
Unfortunately for the MCDFNL, the HDFNL held their nerve late, sweeping all netball games with a 37-32 victory in the under 17s.
Talbot’s Naomi Henderson came up with some great intercepts in the loss, while the Giants’ trio of Kayley Walhouse, Bridget Allan and Lacey Broad helped power the offence.