Division three men
The SF Builders division three men’s team took on Wombats in a do-or-die match for a finals appearance.
Win or draw, and the Dragons were through, but lose and the season was over.
The game started off very even, with plenty of good ball control on display from both teams.
Wombats were able to make the most of a lapse in the Dragons defence and squeeze off a shot on goal to take the early lead 1-0.
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A short time later the Dragons were a man down after receiving a green card, and the Wombats were able to convert the short corner taking a 2-0 lead into half time.
With the finals appearance still on the line the Dragons rallied into the second half.
Pressuring the Wombats defence, their gameplay went from attack to all out defence to protect their lead.
Izaac Cameron, Aaron Rhodes, Stewart Kerr, Tim Longman, Simon Lipshut, and Michael Wheeler threw everything they had at trying to even up the score, earning multiple free hits inside the attacking quarter and multiple short corners.
It looked like the Dragons were able to peg back one of the goals from an Izaac Cameron conversion off a short corner, only to see the goal be denied due to the ball hitting a teammate’s shin pad before going into the goal.
Despite this, the Dragons continued to push the attacking efforts, at times only having one full back and the goalie in their defensive half for much of the quarter.
However, it wasn’t enough, with the Wombats holding on for the 2-0 win and moving onto the finals.
Under 14 boys
The boys’ second last match for the season was in Albury, starting at 8.15am – fortunately, the high winds and rain from the night before had calmed down.
The Dragons started strongly, holding their own against the Falcons, and there was good marking of opponents, good tackling and good defensive pressure.
Chris Munzel played a great game, running well, tackling and creating play through the midfield, Joseph was under pressure in goals, saving many attempts, and Hunter played a solid game, stopping many plays and passing to advantage.
Overall the Falcons were much stronger in attack, and went into half time with a 5-0 lead.
Harvey Rivett, who was only able to join the game after half-time, came on and added immediate speed up forward.
He got on the end of some good passes and created some good opportunities in front of goal.
In the final quarter, Harvey got on the end of a couple of great plays and was able to convert two goals for the Dragons, but the final score was 10-2.
Under 12 girls
The confidence of the under 12 girls’ team continues to build and was on full display over the weekend when they faced the Falcons.
Their discipline in holding positions created space and allowed for a free-flowing game, a true credit to their development as a team.
The Dragons took charge early, with Teale Moffat, Lily Barrett, and Elsie Cunneen combining strongly with the high strikers to apply relentless pressure on the Falcons’ defence.
Pippa Reilly capitalised on an early opportunity, slotting through the first goal of the match, the first of many for the game.
This week saw the welcome addition of Ava Ryan and Zara Hamilton, both showing determination and drive in their push to score.
In defence, the backline proved impenetrable, led with composure by Eliza Taylor and well supported by the ever-reliable Scarlett Clancy, Phoebe Read, and Stella Grotegoed, leaving no way through for the Falcons.
The Dragons finished with an impressive 9–0 victory over a team sitting above them on the ladder, a result the players should be extremely proud of.
Division three women
On the 30 August, the Wangaratta division three women’s team faced Wodonga White at home in what turned out to be one of their strongest performances of the season.
Right from the first whistle, Wangaratta showed intent, playing with high energy, focus, and respect for one another, with the game ending in a 5–0 win for Wangaratta.
Goal scorers included Kylie Samson, Emma Gall, and Hannah Lindsay, with Amelia Bock putting away two impressive goals to round out the scoreline.
Defensively, the backline stood tall, shutting down every Wodonga push forward with calm composure and clear communication.
The midfield worked tirelessly, linking play between defence and attack, creating plenty of scoring opportunities while maintaining strong control in the centre.
The forward line showed excellent pressure and finishing ability, keeping the Wodonga defence on the back foot throughout the match.
Special mention goes to the team’s overall cohesion—players supported one another at every stage, whether through quick passing combinations, strong tackles, or encouragement on the field.
Following the game the women’s team held a high tea – to celebrate the end of the season and to create connections with our junior girls.
Under 16 boys
The Wangaratta Dragons under 16 boys took to the field in deceptively dry conditions, launching into the first quarter with sharp attacking play and impressive cohesion as they faced the Falcons on Friday night.
Dominating early possession, the Dragons came close to scoring on several occasions, showcasing their intent and energy, but as the second quarter began, the heavens opened.
Rain lashed sideways, soaking players and dramatically slowing the pace of the game, but still, the Dragons pressed on.
Thomas Wright’s tireless running kept the team pushing forward, while Alister Merritt delivered a composed and commanding performance that anchored the midfield.
Hunter Ross, playing Under 16s for the first time, was nominated captain, and he led from the front and kept on going despite the cold.
Lachie Rymill and Harvey Rivett had some impressive runs down the pitch which set up some shots at goal.
Though the Falcons ultimately claimed the win, the Dragons left the field soaked, smiling, and proud.
It was freezing-cold fun, and the boys can hold their heads high for the way they approached the game
Under 16 girls
The United Wangaratta under 16 girls’ team made a fast start to their game against Norths on Friday evening with the team running hard and sharing the ball around to ensure possession.
For the first quarter, United had many opportunities in front of goal and were able to draw a couple short corners - then the rain squall hit.
For the rest of the game, all players showed grit and determination to battle through some tough conditions having to slog and trap a heavy ball through a puddle ridden pitch.
Macy Douch was outstanding on the back line, shutting down attacking attempts for Norths, while Sophie Shallue and Lily Radnor were excellent in supporting the defence with some strong plays in the midfield feeding the ball into the attacking D.
Bea Zabenko and Rahni Sorenson also looked dangerous all game, but unfortunately, United could not convert their opportunities and were defeated by Norths 4-0.
Division two men
In the last game before the semi-finals, the division two men played against Falcons Black in Albury.
At the start of the season this may have been considered a close game but the Dragons put on show their skill and teamwork.
From the start the forward line were passing and pushing forward to put pressure on the Falcons defence, leading to the first goal by Matt Vogels in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, they kept the pressure on the Falcons’ goal - any time the Falcons did intercept the ball, the backline was quick to block the path of the ball and send to straight to the midfield.
In the third quarter, Matt Vogels again scored, soon followed by a goal from Isaac Cameron.
In the final quarter, the Dragons kept up the pressure until Matt Vogel’s released an unstoppable ball to finish the game at 4-0.
