FOOTBALL

CENTRAL GIPPSLAND JUNIORS

By LIAM DURKIN

 

GRAND finals were played in the Central Gippsland Junior Football League at the weekend.

Teams converged on Ted Summerton Reserve, Moe to see out the 2025 season.

Premiers in the respective age groups were: Tarwin (under 16s), Moe (u14s) and Meeniyan Dumbalk United, who took home the under 12 and under 10 pennants.

The Sharks completed an undefeated season in the under 16s, defeating the Tigers 14.8 (92) to 8.3 (51).

Tarwin’s Noah McLennan was adjudged best-on-ground, kicking three goals.

His teammate Oscar Bright kicked five, and was ably supported by Isaac Joske, Cody Gerretzen, Jarrah Lowe, Will Campbell and Evan Bruning.

Mirboo North’s Eamon Berryman led one of the most remarkable efforts you are likely to see in a losing grand final – kicking seven of his team’s eight goals.

The youngster has had a busy season, doubling up most weeks for Leongatha fourths and thirds on a Saturday, before playing for the Tigers on a Sunday.

His season is still going, after Leongatha thirds won the Gippsland League qualifying final at the weekend.

Charlie Bickerton, Noah Bradley, Alistair Buckland, Harry Ludlow and Tom Vale also played well for Mirboo North.

The Tigers have worked hard on their junior program in recent years, with teams in CGJFL and an under 18s in the Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League.

 

MOE 2025 or Geelong 2007?

The Lions capped off just about the most dominant season imaginable, winning the under 14s grand final by 111 points.

Taking to their home turf, Moe kicked 11 goals in the second half alone in a 17.10 (112) to 0.1 (1) routing.

Jesse Bowie led with four goals, while Sabit Kaka and best-on-ground Mekhi Hayes added three each.

The team was coached by current Moe Football-Netball Club senior football director, Clinton Taylor, with the aim of promoting full club alignment between the senior and junior club.

Moe’s under 16 team also won their Gippsland League elimination final on Sunday.

 

MDU won a couple of thrilling deciders.

The Demons got up in the under 12s by a single point, 1.1 (7) to 1.0 (6) against Newborough.

Ryder Pedlow was awarded best-on-ground for the winners. Others to play well were Ben Lacy, Bohdi Helms, Aiden Cook, Tyeson Helms and Riley Hocken.

Best players for the Bulldogs were Mason Peresso, Jack Peatey, Huxley Kennedy, Mason Robertson, Oscar Murdoch and Cruz Stellini.

The winning team was coached by Brett Pedlow, familiar to many as the principal of Trafalgar High School. ‘Peds’ has been involved in a number of nerve-killing premierships during his time.

MDU also won the under 10s by a single point.

The Demons kicked 0.3 (3), to hold out Corner Inlet 0.2 (2).

MDU’s Darcy Evans took the honours for best-on-ground.