U10s Grand Final vs MDU @ Moe
Corner Inlet 0.2.02 to MDU 0.3.03
The stage was set at Moe for the biggest game of the year, and both Stingrays and MDU showed what junior footy is all about. Before the first bounce, players from both sides were shaking hands, wishing each other luck and representing their clubs with pride. It was a brilliant display of sportsmanship and set the tone for a hard-fought contest.
The Stingrays started brightly, moving the ball forward with Isaac winning early touches and Cian laying a strong tackle. Taine pulled in a solid mark, while Bray and Haylee threw themselves into every contest with trademark determination. We had the momentum and did plenty of attacking, but MDU's defence held firm. The quarter ended without a score, a clear sign this was going to be a touch, tight battle where every effort mattered.
Both teams continued to fight hard for territory. Annabelle stood tall with a strong mark and excellent defensive play. Frankie drove the ball forward and Tex delivered a neat kick to set up another attack. Isaac's long kicks gave us plenty of drive, and Bray kept putting his body on the line. Haylee gave it everything, saving her best performance for the big dance! A rushed behind put a point on the board for us before Leo had a chance on goal, adding another minor score. MDU responded with a behind of their own. At the main break we were one point up.
After half-time, MDU lifted and came out attacking, but our backline rose to the challenge. Jobe set the tone with a strong tackle, Annabelle was rock-solid in defence, and Isaac pulled down a great mark deep in the backline. Mack thumped the ball long to relieve pressure, Bray battled hard against waves of opposition, and Tex provided a cool head with smart kick-outs. Despite the intensity and plenty of forward entries, neither team could find a score. Another scoreless term made it a real nail-biter heading into the last quarter.
With everything on the line, the Stingrays fought bravely to the end. Mack launched another booming kick out of defence, Taine pulled in a strong grab, and Frankie and Riley combined in a brilliant passage of play that lifted the team. Frankie backed it up with a great mark, and Jobe added one of his own as the Stingrays pushed hard to find a breakthrough.
MDU, however, pressed just as hard. They created two golden chances in front of goal but missed both. They registered a crucial behind, just enough to edge in front. The Stingrays kept pushing until the final siren, but MDU clung to that narrow lead to claim the premiership.
Though the result didn't fall our way, our Stingrays walked off with heads held high. Every player gave their all, showing courage, teamwork and true sportsmanship. To make it to the grand final is an outstanding achievement, and this group of kids has done their club and community proud.
Our coaches have expressed just how proud they are of every single player, not only for today's grand final effort, but for everything they've given throughout the season. We can't wait to see all our Stingrays back in our colours again next year!
A huge thank you also goes to our parents and families. From volunteering and filling roles, to travelling to and from training and games, and always offering encouragement, your support makes this club possible. We truly couldn't do it without you, and we are so grateful.
