INTERLEAGUE WRAP - ROUND 1 2026

1 day ago
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Wednesday 27th May 2026

A cold Wednesday evening set the stage for the opening round of the 2026 AFL Victoria Metro Junior Development Series. With swirling south‑westerlies early and some muddy surfaces, it was a night where effort, adaptability, and clean hands were at a premium. Across the board, SMJFL teams represented the league proudly, producing strong wins, a hard‑earned draw, and several standout individual performances.

MATCH OF THE ROUND

U14 Boys Div 1: FDJFL def. SMJFL by 4 points

FDJFL 7.7 (49) def. SMJFL 6.9 (45) | Jubilee Park

A four‑point heart‑stopper at Jubilee Park earns Game of the Round honours. The muddy surface made clean ball movement difficult, and both sides were forced into a tough, contested style of footy. SMJFL stayed in the fight all night, matching FDJFL’s physicality, but ultimately fell just short in a gripping finish.

SMJFL Best Player: Xavier Attard

AROUND THE GROUNDS

U14 Boys Div 2: SMJFL def. FDJFL by 12 points

SMJFL 5.13 (43) def. FDJFL 4.7 (31) | Jubilee Park

SMJFL claimed a 12‑point win in a competitive match that remained close across the evening. The quarter‑by‑quarter progression showed SMJFL gradually building momentum, moving from a two‑point lead at quarter time to a 17‑point advantage by the final break. FDJFL stayed in touch throughout, but SMJFL’s ability to generate consistent scoring opportunities proved important, finishing with 18 scoring shots to FDJFL’s 11.

All five SMJFL goals were shared evenly, with Mitchell Cunningham, Jacob Davis, Jenson Holm, Asher Mohr and Albert Nicholls each contributing to a balanced spread that reflected the team’s even performance across the ground.

SMJFL Best Player: Flynn Walker

U15 Boys Div 2: SMJFL def. FDJFL by 42 points

SMJFL 14.10 (94) def. FDJFL 8.4 (52) | Boss James Reserve

SMJFL recorded a strong 42‑point win after a consistent four‑quarter performance. They opened with four goals in the first term and continued to build across the night, stretching their lead at every break. By three‑quarter time, SMJFL had moved 34 points clear, and they maintained that advantage through the final quarter to finish with a comfortable margin.

The scoring was shared widely, with Campbell Arundel (2), Sebastian de Koning (2), Oscar Lonergan (2) and Levi Wilton (2) each contributing multiple goals. Additional goals came from Cristiano Belmuda, Kobi Borowski, Nick Castine, Liam Kennedy, Luca Sirianni and Yiani Tsakirakis, reflecting a broad spread of contributors inside forward 50.

SMJFL Best Player: Oscar Lonergan

U14 Girls Div 2: SMJFL drew FDJFL

SMJFL 4.7 (31) def. FDJFL 3.13 (31) | John Coburn Oval

A tense, low‑scoring contest at John Coburn Oval ended in a draw, with both sides finishing on 31 points. The swirling breeze earlier in the evening made scoring difficult, and the match remained tight throughout. SMJFL held an 18-9 lead at the final change, but FDJFL produced a strong final quarter, adding 3.4 to SMJFL’s 2.1 to level the scores by the final siren.

SMJFL’s four goals came through Alex Naidoo (2), Samantha Billing (1) and Mya Davis (1), reflecting a small but effective spread of contributors in a match where clean opportunities were hard to come by.

SMJFL Best Player: Maggie Callinan

U15 Girls Div 2: SMJFL def. SEJ by 29 points

SMJFL 6.12 (48) def. SEJ 3.1 (19) | RSEA Park

SMJFL produced a composed and consistent performance at RSEA Park, finishing with a 29‑point win after leading at every change. They opened with two goals in the first quarter and maintained control through the middle stages of the match, taking a 38‑point lead into the final break. SEJ finished strongly with two goals in the last quarter, but SMJFL’s earlier work ensured the margin remained comfortable.

The goals were shared across the forward group, with L’Mayah Phaure (2) leading the tally, supported by Hanon Box, Ella Deaton, Kaylee Lyons and Amy Newbouldt, who each added one.

SMJFL Best Player: Polly Grant

U15 Boys Div 1: SMJFL def. FDJFL by 57 points

SMJFL 13.16 (94) def. FDJFL 5.7 (37) | Jubilee Park

SMJFL produced a strong four‑quarter performance at Jubilee Park, finishing with a 57‑point win in muddy conditions. After a tight opening term, SMJFL pulled away with a seven‑goal second quarter to establish a significant halftime lead. The scoring slowed slightly as the ground deteriorated, but SMJFL continued to build steadily across the second half, maintaining control on the scoreboard through consistent forward entries and repeat efforts.

The goals were shared widely, with Luke Cheep (3) leading the way, supported by Sidney McLachlan (2) and Kobe Treeby (2). Single goals came from Harry Greenbank, Leo Kim, Levi Matenga, Hudson Moran, Joel Quinlan and Dominic Rafton, reflecting a balanced and versatile forward setup.

SMJFL Best Player: Kobe Treeby

U15 Girls Div 1: SMJFL def. FDJFL by 74 points

SMJFL 13.12 (90) def. FDJFL 2.4 (16) | RSEA Park

SMJFL delivered a commanding performance at RSEA Park, finishing with a 75‑point win after a strong four‑quarter display. They opened with three goals in the first term and extended their lead significantly by halftime, taking a 48‑point advantage into the main break. The wind, which had been swirling early, eased as the evening settled, allowing SMJFL to move the ball more cleanly and continue generating scoring opportunities.

The forward line shared the load well, with Ellie Cole (4) leading the way, supported by Georgia Cochrane (3) and Ella Logan (2). Single goals came from India Hoppe, Micah Hulme, Claudia Kitts and Isabella Terkuile, rounding out a balanced and effective attacking performance.

SMJFL Best Player: Elke Plevritis

U14 Girls Div 1: SMJFL def. FDJFL by 16 points

SMJFL 4.12 (36) def. FDJFL 3.2 (20) | John Coburn Oval

A disciplined showing from SMJFL, who managed the conditions well and created enough scoring opportunities to stay in front throughout the match.

SMJFL Best Player: Matilda Monaghan