Respectful: Benalla Black and Benalla Red players line up.
This year marks the debut of the inaugural Anzac Day Medal, a symbol of honour, resilience and the strong spirit of both the Anzacs and our Benalla Junior Football players who embody their principles on the field. More than just a competition, this medal represents a bridge between the past and the present, a testament to the enduring values of courage, sacrifice and mateship. Awarded to the player who best exemplified the Anzac spirit, courage, sacrifice, endurance, fair play and mateship.
Under-12s Anzac Day Medal winner: Jack Hart.
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Inaugural Anzac round award winners: U12s Benalla Red — Jack Hart; U14s Benalla Black — Jackson Fry; and U17s — Sam Gates
With teams lined up side by side to pay their respects while the recording of the bugle played, it was always going to be a tightly contested day of football for the new-look Benalla Black and Benalla Red. Each age bracket’s teams stepped up and played in a way that demonstrated the true Anzac spirit — well done to all teams.
Under 12s: Benalla Red v Benalla Black
The young and skilled Black side moved the ball quickly with great skill and although Red lead at every change, Black hit the front midway through the last before some Jack Hart (Anzac match medallist) magic sealed the game for Red in a thriller. Hart finished with three majors and was instrumental in the midfield along with partner in crime Sam Mount and young gun Sonny Nolan. The wings were controlled by Harry Sharp and Braydon Jacobs with multiple match-saving efforts in the backline by Alby Dickson and Tom Snell. The forward line looked dangerous with the addition of powerhouse Teddy Sheehan and the hardworking Louis Horne; however, it was a fantastic team effort.
Explosive: Jack Hart bursts away for Red.
The Black team having had a week off meant the kids were raring to go from the first bounce. It was an even first half with a lot of our younger players giving it a red-hot crack and showing courage around the ball. Caleb Thwaites, the team’s junior vice-captain, led well from the front, finishing with three goals. The second half was a see-sawing affair, with both teams having their chances to win it. Strong plays from Lincoln Richardson, Jimmy Jackson and Jackson Quarrell saw the Black team fight back and take back the lead in the third quarter. The whole team continued to keep the pressure on the Reds. Jack Davies was strong in the midfield, keeping the ball moving forward. Young Cruze Hanson-Ray took a couple of great marks in the 50 and moved the ball around to our other forwards.
Benalla Red were too strong in the end, kicking the last goal to win by three points. It was a great game from both teams, demonstrating the strength of the juniors coming through.
Congratulations to Jack Hart from Benalla Red on being awarded the U12s Anzac Day Medal.
Final Score: Benalla Red 5.4 (34) def Benalla Black 4.7 (31)
Benalla Red – Goals: Jack Hart 3, Teddy Sheehan, Louis Horne
Benalla Red – Best players: Sonny Nolen, Angus Gander, Alby Dickson, Archie Evans, Brayden Jacobs, Xavier Beriman, Ron Staggard
Benalla Black – Goals: Caleb Thwaites 3, Lincoln Richardson
Benalla Black – Best Players: Caleb Thwaites, Joshua Bamford, Jackson Quarrell, Bentley Parker, Jimmy Jackson, Lachlan Osborne
Under 14s - Benalla Red vs Benalla Black
Nelson Mandela once said, “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but triumph over it.” The Reds were asked to draw upon the Anzac Day theme of courage and mateship when they played against friends and mates in Benalla Black. All players were asked to reflect upon the atrocities of war and the realisation that those who had fought for and served our country were not that much older than they were now. All players across the day drew upon their own form of courage. Angus Leavold and Lucas Webster played their best game for the year in the backline and were supported by Noah Cooney and the enigmatic Harry Bast. Dylan Monaghan was a welcome and promising addition. Captains Harry Skelton and Riley McCarthy inspired acts of courage through good example, while onballers Hogan, DeFazio and Willet were consistent all day. Thomas Mount snagged three with Binion and Pollard looking dangerous. Benalla Black was a worthy opponent and deserved the victory after a strong final quarter.
Under-14s Anzac Day Medal winner: Jackson Fry.
For Benalla Black, Josh Byers got Black off to a good start, relishing his time forward. Josh’s contested marking ability was on show throughout the game. Kobi Thwaites’ clean hands under pressure were bringing teammates into the game and Black began to get its team-orientated running game going with fast passages of play. Jackson Fry was busy on his wing, running hard both ways. Jackson was moved on ball and began to have an influence at stoppages, breaking tackles and driving the ball deep into attack. The game had been an entertaining one, but Red held an eight-point lead at the halftime break.
The Anzac spirt of courage, mateship and sacrifice had been the theme for Black all day, and the second half had it in spades. Ben Wells was busy, his foot skills on display, hitting teammates in better positions and opening up the play for Black. The defensive unit was rock solid, turning defence into attack numerous times, led by the hard-nosed Lachie Randell. The game began to intensify, and Black started to run hard with purpose. Ryan White had worked hard all day both in the middle and on a wing covering a huge amount of ground. In the end, Black recorded a 28-point win. Thanks to both Ollie Parker and Josh Bamford, who came up from the under-12s to help make up numbers. Both players were able to kick a goal each in the win.
All in all, a day where courage and mateship were on full display.
Congratulations to Jackson Fry from Benalla Black being awarded the U14s Anzac Day Medal.
Final Score: Benalla Red 5.2 (32) def by Benalla Black 8.12 (60)
Benalla Red – Goals: Tom Mount 3, Jude Binion, Jack Pollard
Benalla Red – Best Players: Riley McCarthy, Noah Hogan, Tom Mount, Lucas Webster, Angus Leavold, Xavier Defazio
Benalla Black – Best Players: Kobi Thwaites, Jackson Fry, Josh Byers, Ben Wells, Lachie Randell, Ryan White
Under 17s – Benalla vs Mansfield
With only one 17s team this season, there was no derby for the oldest age group. Instead, we travelled up the highway to take on Mansfield. The U17s Benalla team showcased commendable effort, dominating possession early and consistently creating scoring opportunities throughout the game. Despite their persistent pressure, they faced difficulties converting chances into points, ultimately falling short on the scoreboard. However, Mitchell Cooney’s exceptional performance in the final quarter, where he kicked three goals, demonstrated the team’s resilience and determination to fight until the last moment, reflecting their potential for future success.
Under-17s Anzac Day Medal winner: Sam Gates.
Congratulations to Sam Gates, who was awarded the Anzac Day medal for exemplifying courage, resilience and outstanding teamwork throughout the match, further highlighting the individual contributions and collective spirit of the Benalla team.
Final score: Mansfield 16.13.109 def Benalla 3.5.23
Goals: Mitchell Cooney 3
Best players: Sam Gates, Mitchell Cooney, Bryce Cooney, Jobe Stovell, Josh Hart, Josh Mathieson
