Honouring Courage, Mateship and Respect: Benalla Juniors embrace the spirit of Anzac Round
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Hot weather and heartfelt tributes set the tone for round three of the Benalla and District Junior Football League. Football took on a deeper meaning with teams pausing to honour the Anzac legacy. This round isn’t just about goals, tackles, and marks — it was about honouring the values that define both our national identity and the game itself: courage, mateship, endurance and self-sacrifice.
The Australian anthem sung by Emily Snell, the New Zealand anthem and the Last Post echoing across Benalla Showgrounds, young footballers stood shoulder to shoulder in silence — opponents in name only, united in remembrance. From the stirring pre-game tributes to the fierce but respectful contests that followed, the Anzac Round captured the very heart of community sport.
Whether it was the spirited under-12 clash between Benalla Red and Black, or the powerful under-14 performances that highlighted the depth and dedication of the next generation, each moment on the field was a tribute in itself — a celebration of resilience, unity, and the enduring spirit of Anzac.
U12: Benalla Black 6.6 (42) d Benalla Red 4.4 (28)
Anzac Medal: Jimmy Jackson
A thrilling showdown between friends-turned-rivals saw Benalla Black edge out Benalla Red in a gripping contest.
U12 Benalla Black
From the first bounce, the energy was electric with every single player doing their bit. Max-Yuen Francis lit up the first quarter with two sensational goals before a head knock saw him take an early rest — a big contribution that helped set the tone for the Blacks. However, the Reds answered right back, demanding Black’s full attention with end-to-end play and clever teamwork keeping the scoreboard ticking over and even pulling ahead by the end of the third quarter.
As the match wore on, 'Brick Wall' Bentley Parker proved to be a defensive juggernaut, taking some significant marks and repelling Reds attack. There was silky ball movement throughout the game from Jimmy Jackson and Lachie Osborne, slicing through the middle with style. Jackson Quarrell dazzled us with magnificent body work - a beautiful hip and shoulder in his fight for the ball. Ollie ‘Rocket’ Ross, played all game with fierce determination and a desperate hunger for the ball. Wingman, Toby Fitzgerald displayed wonderful ground ball skills, always hitting the ball at full pace.
Despite Black edging ahead late to take the win, the match was a celebration of shared talent and teamwork. A top-tier display of footy and friendship all round.
Goal Kickers: Max Yuen-Francis 2, Ollie Ross, Rhys Kelly, Cooper Pilkington, Jimmy Jackson.
Best Players: Jackson Quarrell, Jimmy Jackson, Bentley Parker, Lachlan Osborne, Ollie Ross, Toby Fitzgerald.
U12 Benalla Red
With Benalla Black bouncing out of the blocks with the first two goals it looked like the contest was going to slip away early however a spirited Red outfit answered back to even the contest at quarter time. Booting multiple goals throughout the day returning Vice Captain Teddy Sheehan looked to impose himself on the contest and as the second quarter turned into an arm wrestle Benalla Black took a slight lead into the main break.
A fleet footed red team worked overtime in the 3rd quarter liking up with overlap run and placing scoreboard pressure on the black outfit for the first time this season however a last quarter fade-out and a fast finishing Black team proving too strong. Standouts for the day included hard working midfielder Toby Smith whose courage and overhead marking was a key feature. Tireless captain Xavier Beriman who was assisted by the versatile utility Bodie Gall. Jack McKenzie who completed multiple roles with 100% effort and energy along with outstanding first year player Harley Kupke and the ever dangerous Hudson “the wiz” Pickering.
Goal Kickers: Louis Horne, Teddy Sheehan 3.
Best Players: Toby Smith, Xavier Beriman, Teddy Sheehan, Jack McKenzie, Harley Kupke & Hudson Pickering.
U14: Benalla Red 16.9 (105) d Benalla Black 3.6 (24)
Anzac Medal: Tom Mount
In what was tipped to be a tight contest, the game evolved to anything but, with Red taking the ascendency from the first bounce. Benalla Red proved far too strong for their clubmates, Benalla Black, running out convincing winners.
U14 Benalla Black
Charlie Bell was attacking the ball with ferocity early for Black, bursting from the contest and laying some bone jarring tackles. Josh Montgomery battled hard all day against the odds, trying to lift his teammates covering huge amounts of the ground. Josh Bamford was intelligent with his ball use at half-forward having a hand in many of Blacks attacking moves. The mosquito fleet of Ben Wells and Hugh Ross worked tirelessly all day in and under the packs. Jack Christie was stoic in defence as Red continually drove the ball forward with some clever ball movement. In what can only be described as a learning experience for Black they were given a lesson in the intensity by Red who ran out very convincing winners. Thanks to Jackson Quarrell and Bentley Parker who stepped up from U12 to play with us.
Goal Kickers: Ryan White, Ollie Wardill, Lucas Webster.
Best Players: Josh Montgomery, Josh Bamford, Ben Wells, Hugh Ross, Jack Christie, Charlie Bell.
U14 Benalla Red
From the opening bounce, Red set the tone with relentless pressure and clean ball movement, keeping Black on the back foot. Harry Bast was electric up forward, finishing with an impressive six-goal haul, while Tom Mount also had a big impact around goal, slotting four majors of his own and coming away with the spirit of Anzac Medal.
Around the ground, Red’s midfield was in full control. Charlie Bowen and Tom Mount provided great drive through the middle, with Charlie Pollard and Jack Hart consistently giving their side first use. Harry Bast’s work rate was outstanding, not just in front of goal but also further up the ground, while Tom Snell was a rock in defence, repelling countless attacks.
Despite the scoreboard, Black battled hard all day and showed strong spirit, particularly in the second half where they were able to create more forward opportunities.
It was a great display of depth for Benalla’s junior program, with plenty of positives to take away for both sides.
Goal Kickers: Harry Bast 6, Tom Mount 4, Charlie Bowen 3, Jude Binion 2, Jack Pollard.
Best Players: Charlie Bowen, Tom Mount, Charlie Pollard, Jack Hart, Harry Bast, Jude Binion.
U17: Mansfield 11.18 (84) d Benalla 3.3 (21)
Anzac Medal: Noah Hogan
Benalla’s under-17 team travelled to Mansfield, determined to play contested, accountable football over four quarters. The side started strongly, winning its share of the possession. On-baller, turned defender, Braedon Blackford, was a standout, shutting down many forward attacks. Despite having the majority of the ball in its forward line, Benalla could only manage one goal for the quarter.
Hudson Blyss started strongly in the ruck, well supported in the midfield by captain Lucas Ham, Josh Ward and Harry Skelton. Playing off the half-backline, first-year players Riley McCarthy and Noah Hogan were playing well, reading the ball well and using the ball efficiently.
Trailing at half-time by five goals, Benalla looked dangerous, but couldn’t convert on the scoreboard. Jackson Fry continued his start to the season in defence, along with Hunter Carter and Flash Boulton. Josh Byers gave a glimpse of what he is capable of, kicking a nice goal after some strong, contested play.
Post-match, Noah Hogan was awarded the Anzac Medal, as voted by the umpires, for his impressive game on the half-back flank.
Goal Kickers: Mason Willett, Lucas Ham, Toby Reeve
Best Players: Hudson Blyss, Braedon Blackford, Noah Hogan, Lucas Ham, Riley McCarthy, Harry Skelton
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