Villi’s U18s & U16s Match Report – Round 10

UNDER 18s

The Under 18s won an entertaining  Round 10 game against Central Districts at X Convenience Oval on Thursday night by 37 points.

The Bulldogs started strongly really dominating territory and shots on goal for the first 12 minutes and we found ourselves defending hard and were 10 points down early before we got on the scoreboard late in the quarter to reduce the deficit to 4 points.

We had started to control the game better late in the first quarter so we had high hopes for our second quarter and we played some great footy, kicking 4 goals 5 points and holding Centrals to just the one point.

We played some great team oriented football in the third quarter and were able to kick 5 goals whilst holding the Dogs to just the one and we took a 48 point lead into three quarter time.

In the last quarter Centrals got on top of us late with their ball movement and outscored us 4 goals to 2 goals.

The win was a great way to go into the weekend.

We had many good players and once again our midfield was led well by Romario Clemente, supported by Zack Lloyd, Connor Rugari, Hunter Rowe  and Seb Cavallaro.

Mitch Harris led a strong defence with 6 intercept marks, Jack Leys (2 goals) was a constant threat on his wing, Khye Maddern worked hard across the ground as a high forward and Lachie Marshall Bates (1 goal) and Blake Karpany (2 goals) were hard working forwards along with Ron Waters (2 goals).

This week we debuted Jonny Poulton and he did well kicking a great goal and taking some good marks around the ground.

With a bye next round we don’t play again until Saturday 20 June when we take on the Redlegs at Coopers Stadium from 11.00am.

The AAMI State Under 18s start their National Championships next week and our Eagles’ players in the squad –  Blake Karpany, Jack Leys, Mitch Harris and Jack Slattery – are  all in great form and we wish them all the best.

Also great to see the under 16s players and coaches get rewarded for their persistence, hard work and effort against Centrals on Thursday night.

Shane Reardon – U18 Coach

UNDER 16s

Round 10 saw us make the trip up to X-Convenience Oval and take on Central District on a cold and wintery Thursday night.

We had 1 first gamer make his under 16 debut for 2026 in Nate Ashley and we welcomed back 8 players from the College program.

In challenging wet conditions, the group produced a strong four-quarter performance for the first time this season.

Our ball movement was a highlight, with quick hands, being clean at ground level and a real willingness to use teammates in better positions helping us move the ball efficiently across the ground.

Our aerial work, ground-ball pressure, and contest efforts were particularly pleasing, while our ability to transition the ball from defence and create scoring opportunities showcased the progress the whole playing group is making week to week.

Overall, it was a good team performance that reflected the group’s growing understanding of team-first football, strong work rate, and an willingness to compete for each other across the entire game.

The final score being Eagles: 14.10.94 to CD: 7.5.47

Goal kickers this week: Nate Mercer 4, Nate Ashley 3, Tyson Schultz 2 and singles to Hamish Coombe, Connor Willmer, Joel Lipson, Walker Hart and Damien Wanganeen

Best Players: Nate Ashley, Oliver Lange, Nate Mercer, Tyson Schultz, Luke Flaherty and Campbell Woolford.

Todd Clarke – U16 Coach