In what can only be described as one of the highlights of 2023, the mighty Olinda 9s took the Lightning Premiership Carnival by storm.
After an already memorable season the young bloods raised the bar yet again, playing off in one of the league’s all time grand finals.
The coaches and parents could not be more proud of how the Olinda 9s competed this season.
It has undoubtedly been a season of memorable moments that will stand everyone in good stead for future football highlights.
Glorious sunny conditions greeted Olinda’s U11s for their final home and away game at Olinda against Belgrave.
With Belgrave out of the finals race, this was to be their final game for the season, and they certainly brought the heat early.
In a tight contested first half the young bloods battled hard and only managed to snag a couple of second quarter goals.
In the second half however, the class of the Olinda side really stood out. Taking control of the game particularly in the final quarter by upping the tackling pressure and some hard running from the midfield.
In the end running out comfortable winners and looking cherry ripe for the elimination final next week.
Final score
Olinda 8.8.56
Belgrave 0.0.0
The weather really put on a show at the Olinda oval early on a Sunday morning, and so did the U12 girls against a strong Monbulk outfit.
With the final game of the season before finals, the team knew they had to bring their A-game combining all of the strategies, skills, and team fitness they had worked hard on all season.
In addition, it was Olinda’s first 50th game celebration for Ruby Thornton and that was enough for the team to dig deep. The first quarter saw Olinda kick the first goal by the 50 gamer and this really got the girls pumped.
However, a tenacious Monbulk came back and was ahead by a small margin at halftime. But Olinda’s midfield, together with their backline, dug deep to get to play back in their forward line and in front to take the win.
It was a great end to a successful season and the team now looks forward to versing Wandin in the first round of the finals.
With the sun shining at Olinda the smell of finals was certainly in the air as the Under 13 boys hit the ground for their final round clash with Woori Yallock.
The pre-game focus was about “bringing it all together” in terms of all the things the team had been working on throughout the year.
Pleasingly, the lads put on a tremendous display of “team first” junior football, lowering their eyes, sharing the ball around looking to bring their team mates into the game..
The lads were rewarded on the scoreboard for their efforts and “team first attitude” as they went onto secure an impressive 95-point victory.
Final Scores
Olinda 13.18.96 def Woori 0.1.1.
Played at home in a sunny conditions, the U13 boys headed out for their last game for the season lead by two 50 games milestoners in Liam & Ethan.
Gembrook had the upper hand for the first two quarters kicking 8.6 to zip. At the half time gathering, the boys were determined not to roll over and to finish the season showing the ticker within. Linking passages of play through finely tuned teamwork, the U13 whites finished the last two quarters of the season drawing even with Gembrook with two goals a piece. A fantastic finish to a difficult season for the fabulous nine under 13 white players.
Thanks for all the parents and players making the season possible.
A huge congratulations to Liam & Ethan achieving 50 games for the mighty young bloods.
Best players, Hugo, Travis, Liam, Ethan & Blake.
Special mention to Ollie, Gus, Saxton, Danyn for a solid game.
Well done to Timmy, Ricky, Tilah & Taj for the great season.
Final scores
Gembrook 10.10.70 def Olinda 2.2.14
U14G – bye
U15B v Healesville
The final round of 14 saw Olinda host Healesville with finals looming for the victor.
The game began evenly and thanks to River Bellemo kicking all three of the hosts’ first quarter goals, Olinda held a seven-point lead.
The second quarter saw Olinda gain the ascendancy, kicking three goals to nil thanks to some exciting run and carry from the midfield (in particular Aden Bates) but Healesville pushed hard in the third and the game became desperate and tough in close with Olinda’s undermanned backline (led by the ever physical Tom Ford) showing great courage to keep the visitors out.
With a handy 20-point buffer going into the last break and a finals spot on the line, Olinda showed some class and composure in a heated final quarter to record an impressive victory.
A special mention goes to River Bellemo who worked tirelessly all day, kicking six goals to celebrate his 50th game in style.
Final scores
Olinda11.9.75 d Healesville 5.9 39
Up against an undermanned Gembrook Cockatoo the U17 boys finished off the last home and away round with a big win. It was a great team effort by all with a number of players kicking multiple goals. Olinda have now finished third on the ladder and have given themselves a real chance to have a fantastic finals campaign.
