Northern Football League

Unfortunately for the Northern Football League Junior Development Squads, the Under 14 and Under 15 Division 2 teams were unable to get over the line in their respective Grand Finals at Box Hill City Oval today.

In tough conditions for all taking part, the Under 14s were the first team to hit the field as they took on the undefeated team from the Eastern Football League - a team that had amassed an impressive 471% during the three preliminary rounds.

The job was always going to be a tough one for the Under 14s, and they were shown to be a bit short of the dominant Eastern team, who eventually went on to win by 78 points - final scores reading EFL 16.14 (110) to NFL 4.8 (32)

Next to take the field was the Under 15s Division 2 team, who were lining up against the Yarra Junior Football League team. Both sides had had pretty similar results during the group stages, with 2 wins and one loss each, so the scene was set for a close game.

True to form there wasn't much in the game, with the Northern team holding the advantage at every break. Going into the final term, the lead had extended to 17 points for the NFL, but a five goal to one last quarter was enough to see the Yarra team take home the premiership by a margin of seven points - final scores YJFL 12.7 (79) to NFL 10.12 (72).

Obviously the boys were disappointed not to record a victory on the day, but the effort they showed to get the Grand Finals was fantastic and they were a credit to the Northern Football League and the Junior Development Program. The league trusts that they enjoyed the experience of playing in the AFL Victoria Metro Championships, and hopes to see them back next year in their respective age groups more motivated and determined than ever. 

To see all the results, best players and goalkickers from the championships, please click on the following link:

http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=1-5062-0-72897-0&a=COMPS