Unfortunate losses for Poowong as promising years ahead

By Geoff Wyatt

POOWONG’S Under 16s football and Under 15 girls Netball teams travelled to Trafalgar to to play in their 2025 Grand Finals supported by their families and a large contingent of Poowong fans. 

There was a big crowd in attendance at Trafalgar in cool conditions with a breeze favouring the highway end. The surface of the Trafalgar ground was a credit to the club.

Looking at the two sides on the ground Bunyip looked to be a top age side with some tall players whereas Poowong Under 16s looked a younger side, lacking in height and it would take a huge effort to get over Bunyip. 

Poowong Under 16s have played some great football to reach the Grand Final and should be proud of their efforts win or lose.

Bunyip kicked to the highway end with the breeze and had two goals early before Poowong came back with a goal to Johnathon Wilson. Unfortunately Bunyip kicked a late goal to stretch the margin to 14 points. Poowong held Bunyip well against the breeze and would need to use the breeze in the second quarter.

The second quarter was tight football, unfortunately Poowong could not finish off up forward and missed a chance to add a goal only to see Bunyip kick a goal to open up a nineteen point lead at half time. Bunyip’s height was a telling factor taking many marks in defence. Bunyip 4.3.27 to Poowong 1.2.8.

Poowong would need a big third quarter to stay in the game and with Bunyip’ s height making it hard in the ruck and marking around the ground. Poowong had a good quarter keeping Bunyip to two goals while adding one with a goal to Cruze Deal to keep the margin to four goals, a possibility with the breeze, but it would require a good start in the last quarter. Bunyip 6.3.39 to Poowong 2.3.15.

Unfortunately, Bunyip got on top adding three goals early and with Poowong unable to break Bunyip’s defence they ran out winners by 44 points, a well-deserved victory. 

Hopefully this group will be the basis of Bunyip’s rise in senior football, well done Bunyip. 

To the Poowong boys, a great season and a tremendous effort to make the Grand Final. A lot of talent there and they will be a big chance next season. Be proud of your year’s performance – a lot of talent there going forward for Poowong with a couple of boys playing Seniors this year.

Very taken by the speeches of young coach Mitch Van’t Hof, speaking about what was needed to the players in a concise manner, congratulations Mitch on your season.

Best Players Christian Dorian, Lachie Moriarty, George Edwards, Johnathan Wilson, Tait Nicholls, Marlon Cawcutt in a team effort.

Unfortunately, the Under 15 Netball girls lost to Catani 33 to 25. A lot of talent in the side. Well done girls on making the Grand Final and best of luck in your future careers.

Though we went away without a premiership it was still a great effort by the club to have two teams in the Grand Finals – all the best for 2026.