WSL2 - Report by Darren Steere

The final round of the standard season saw us playing Monash Uni. We were sitting in 2nd position on the ladder, and probably couldn’t be moved. But NYP Dragons 4th beat 3rd placed Melbourne Collegians, so we were as safe as houses.  While Monash Uni only had the bare 7, we had 9 and were missing a few. We got off to a fast start, and we applied pressure all around the pool for a comfortable quarter time lead, 5-2. We added another 4 goals to 2 in the second quarter incluing an outstanding goal by Kyrene, that looked like a bounce shot, but snuck under the goalies arm, putting the game to rest by halftime, 9-4. The game petered out over the second half.  One goal each in the 3rd and 2 each in the last. Our game has really come together over the course of the season and the improvement in our team play has put us in a very good position to challenge for the trophy.

Essendon defeated Monash : 12 - 7  Goals : Emmy 5, Phoebe 3, Bene 2, Kyrene 1, Alex 1

WSL3 - Report by Lisa Murray-Segal

Our final "home and away" game for this competition saw us face 3rd placed StCaths with a bench of 5. Sitting just below them on the ladder, and likely to face them in the elimination final next week - we knew this would be a good opportunity to test ourselves and get some organisiation into our bench and our play. But making plans is easier than executing them, and StCaths proved too strong on the night, with very tight defense, and created multiple fast breaks and drives in offense that went unchecked. We had a few good chances to score, but couldn't get the ball to hit the net. Sandra was sharp in the cage, and stopped at least another 5 from making the sheet. We are going to have to protect the ball better next week, give ourselves space in attack, and be ready to shut down loose players on the turnovers if we want to make an impact in the finals. Not a game to remember, but the effort from all the girls was there.

Essendon were defeated by St Cath's : 0 - 11

WSL3 (Combo Jnr Team) - Report by Frankie Varghese

Tuesday's match was a tough but fun one. Monash played a strong game and although they won, our team played well and had a lot of good attacks. We scored 2 amazing goals! Even though we haven't made it into the finals, it was a great season and I can't wait to play with them next year.

Essendon/Monash/NYPD/DVEA were defeated by Monash : 2 - 16 Goals : TBC

MSL4 - Report by Sam Brown

Tonight, the boys knew they were in for a challenge. Essendon’s numbers had been strong all season, but with a solid lineup of 10 players at the whistle, we were ready to balance their speed with our experience. Facing Geelong, No. 2 on the ladder against our No. 1, the stage was set for a tough battle. Geelong had a full squad, but our team was fired up and determined to bring the fight.

Spoiler alert: we didn’t get the win, but the effort was phenomenal. Each player gave their all, moving together like a well-oiled machine. Despite a rocky start and trailing 3-0 in Q1, we turned things around in Q2 and Q3, leveling the score. Heading into the final quarter at even Stevens, Geelong turned on the afterburners, pulling ahead to secure the win at 9-5. A minor injury in the goal box didn’t help, but the lads held their heads high.

Highlights included Felix, our reliable wall in goal, making some incredible saves before a (hopefully minor) injury saw Andrew C step up to take over. The Venosta brothers each found the back of the net in Q2, Sam J scored a stunner in Q3, and Michael V and Brya… I mean, Hayden—wrapped up our tally with two excellent goals in Q4.

It’s not over yet. We meet Geelong again this Saturday in the 1v2 prelim, and tonight’s game was the perfect warm-up. Let’s show them what we’re made of next time. Great effort, team!

Essendon were defeated by Geelong : 5 - 9   Goals : Michael 2, Liam 1, SamJ 1, Hayden 1

12&U Mixed / 14&U Girls / Girls Combined - Editor

All three of these squads had a scheduled BYE this week, with our 12 Mixed and 14 Girls having another BYE this weekend too! They will have one final round on Dec 8 (2 games) before the Xmas break. The Girls Combined grade however, will be back in action this Sunday, up against Richmond Black.

14&U Boys - Report by Natalie Meissner  

The boys played DVE on Sunday, producing some solidt efforts despite having just 7 boys in the pool. It’s great to watch Ashton coming along as a player now he’s played a few games. It’s going to be exciting to see him continue to develop as the season continues into next year.  Angus  managed to create a couple of fast breaks in counter attack, but was sadly unable to convert them to the scoreboard this week.  Once again the boys weren’t able to come away with a win, but are certainly getting fitter and stronger with all the game time. 

Essendon/Monash were defeated by DVE Aquatic : score TBC  Goals : TBC

YthBoys - Report by Ilona Elmore 

The boys came up against a well drilled Northcote side on Sunday. The advantages of being able to train as one team showed, and Northcote outperformed on structure, but not skills. The Essendon boys showed up to play and absolutely played their part on Sunday. Zac was  in form with great defense, Magnus stopping balls in the goals and really getting up out of the water. Timo continues to improve exponentially every week and is playing great 1:1 polo. Lazar is able to drive that ball down the pool and Jack played with a bit of grunt in 1:1 contests and played a true winger and goal assist role.  While they didn't get the chocolates, the Essendon boys showed what they were made of. 

Only 1 more game for the YthB to go in this season up against an MC team. They'll need their weeties in the morning. 

Essendon/Monash were defeated by Northcote : Score TBA Goals : TBC

WPV has not updated the results and ladders this week