KEEN under-12 footballers from the Wimmera packed out Horsham’s Coughlin Park on Sunday for the AFL Wimmera-Mallee Under-12 Carnival.
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The day featured 15 different teams competing. AFL Wimmera-Mallee development manager Jason Muldoon said the focus was on the enjoyment of the game.
“It was a fantastic day and the pleasing thing was having so many parents, grandparents and supporters urging the children on,” he said.
“It was a really positive atmosphere and the kids enjoyed themselves. It was a day for them to play football with no expectations and just enjoyment and it achieved that.
“Sometimes when you’re playing for premiership points the enjoyment can be lost whereas in this environment it was all about fun with no best on grounds – that’s what our game is about.”
Muldoon said there were plenty of girls taking part as well.
“I was really happy to see so many girls playing and they all did really well,” he said.
“The coaches, team managers and umpires were fantastic and moved children around to give them all an opportunity.”
Ararat had a successful day at the carnival. They played four games, winning the first three comfortably.
The final game was against Horsham who were also undefeated. It was a terrific game with both sides playing tough inside football. Hugh Toner was in everything rucking superbly and creating opportunities for his on ballers.
Jim Jennings controlled the centre with his long kicking and pack marking.
Floyd and Sinclair Burmeister repelled many of Horsham’s attacks showing plenty of dash while Will Anderson, Charlie Lieshman and Hayden Dowling picked up telling possessions and kept the ball in Ararat’s forward half for most of the match.
The game was entering its final minutes with Ararat holding on to a slender two-point lead. No side could score with both defences working over time.
Young Reggie Jenkins stepped up and continually presented up forward. Ararat kept pressing and a hurried kick forward was marked 35 metres from goal by Darcy Aitkin who sealed the game with a beautiful long kick.
Ararat won 1.5 (11) to Horsham 0.3 (3). It was a real team effort with all players contributing to the win.
A best player medal was presented to Hugh toner for his great sportsmanship, great team play and his outstanding personal performance throughout the carnival.
Other results
Game 1: Ararat 8.12 (60) defeat Horsham Saints Black 0.0 (0)
Goal kickers: D.Aitkin 2, J.Jennings 2, H. Dowling 2, D. Nawii 1, R.Jenkins 1
Better players: Hugh Toner, Jim Jennings, Will Anderson, Floyd Burmeister, Izayah Turner
Game 2: Ararat 10.9 (69) defeated Horsham Saints Red 0.0 (0)
Goal kickers: D Aitkin 4 J Jennings 2, H Dowling 2, J Brady 1, K Cooper 1
Better players: Charlie Lieshman, Jim Jennings, Hayden Dowling, Will Anderson, Reggie Jenkins
Game 3: Ararat 3.8 (26) defeated Stawell 1.1 (7)
Goal kickers: J Jennings 1, H Dowling 1, D Aitkin1
Better players: Hugh Toner, Darcy Aitkin, Sinclair Burmiester, Jim Jennings, Reggie Jenkins, Charlie
Lieshman