UNDER 10 By RAYAN MOORE The Spirit of Footy round saw the Euroa under 10s take on Shepparton Swans at home in the wet on Sunday. In an even first quarter to start the game, standout performers included Izzy Limbrick, Hudson King, Jett Fielden, and the ever reliable Billy Harper. Cody O’Bree continued his good form in the second term and slotted a classy goal, while Will Swift and Tayte Wilson continued to show great improvement. Lewis Riley and Lenny Moore added scoreboard pressure during the third quarter with some timely goals, and the last quarter was a real struggle, with the Swans putting Euroa under immense pressure. However, the Magpies fought right until the end, with Bohdi Cummins showing plenty of endeavour and Emmett Arrowsmith taking contested marks against much bigger opponents. This round was played across all age levels under the banner of Spirit of Football, celebrating sportsmanship, teamwork, and fair play where opposition coaches awarded the round's medals. Spirit of Footy medal: Lenny Moore. UNDER 12 By JASON WILLIAMSON Euroa’s under 12's clash against Shepparton Notre Maroon served as the curtain raiser for the under 18s at Memorial Oval on Saturday, and the young Magpies made the most of their chance to impress. Determined not to repeat their slow start from a previous early game, Euroa hit the ground running from the opening bounce and the first quarter was a fierce contest, until the Magpies managed to trap the ball in their forward half and pepper the goals, albeit without scoring majors. After a series of near misses in a similar second quarter, Euroa finally broke through. A slick handball from Bailey Trotter released a running Henry Williamson, whose kick narrowly missed Oakley Dunning in the pocket. But Oakley reacted fastest, doubling back and snapping truly to give Euroa their first goal just seconds before the half-time siren. The third quarter saw a more open, flowing style of play emerge, and Jaegar Saxon and Archie Buchanan continued to be workhorses in the midfield, with Jaegar holding firm in defence and Archie laying multiple run-down tackles. Selby Burke and Slater O’Bree provided strong rotations and valuable link up play. After Jaegar Saxon slotted a well earned goal, Shepparton Notre responded with one of their own; however, Euroa answered swiftly with Kallin Caravaca-Lopez intercepting a handball and snapping true to extend the lead 25 to 8 at the final change. Euroa’s coach’s instructions at the last break were clear: finish the game strong. The team responded with relentless running and forward pressure. Down back, Charlie Hemeter stood tall in his new role at full back, repelling multiple attacks with one standout moment when he bravely left his man to contest a loose ball against an oncoming Shepparton Notre player, holding up play long enough for teammates to assist. SCOREBOARD: Euroa 4.9.33 defeated Shepparton Notre 1.2.8 Spirit of Football medal: Kallin Caravaca-Lopez This game marked the final under 12s curtain raiser to the senior games for the season, which have been an honour for the young Magpies to be involved with. UNDER 14 After an opposition forfeit followed by a league bye, it feels like an age since the kids pulled on their boots. Sunday saw us field a full side to battle it out against the Shepparton Swans at Princess Park. The team jumped out of the blocks from the first bounce, with Billy Wilson scoring a quick goal in the opening minutes, setting the tone for the day. Blake Trotter was strong in the ruck, working it forward, with Darby Hoare doing what he does best and dominating the ground despite carrying a heavy tagger. With five goals to the Swans’ one behind at quarter time, the Magpies' back line held strong and managed to concede only two goals in the second term, while the midfielders created opportunities for the forward line, with the likes of Zaki Chambers putting his head over the ball and working tirelessly to get the job done. Frozen oranges at half time gave the team the edge, as they came out firing and added four more goals, leaving a three-quarter time challenge of reaching reach 100 points for the day. This was achieved in the dying minutes, thanks to the talented Ty Fielden snapping a goal as the final siren sounded. SCOREBOARD: Euroa 15.13.103 defeated Shepparton Swans 3.3.21 There were nine goal kickers for the day, with Spencer Mildred Nicel, Aidan Hamill, and Ty Fielden each kicking their first goals of the season, while Darby Hoare managed to bag six. Spirit of Footy award: Darby Hoare
