State’s top junior footballers in fine form for STJFL season finales
Southern Tasmania’s junior football season is officially over with the last four boys' grand final matches run and won. CHECK OUT THE 80+ PHOTOS >>
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Hundreds headed to North Hobart on Sunday to cheer on young footballers who put on a show in four boys’ grand finals.
Southern Tasmania Junior Football League executive officer Tony Gibson congratulated the eight teams on a great day of footy.
“There were lots of excited crowds, enthusiastic participants, and kind weather,” he said.
“To have four grand finals and four different clubs winning premierships was a great result for all the clubs.”
GALLERY: STJFL grand final action 2021, day 3
GALLERY: STJFL grand final action 2021, day 2
GALLERY: STJFL grand final action 2021, day 1
The under-13 boys' trophy was claimed by Claremont in a 15-point win and impressive comeback against Clarence. Hunter Lockley took home the best-on-ground medal.
Lindisfarne prevailed over North Hobart by 12 points in the under-14 boys, with Jye Millward awarded best on ground.
Harry Sylvester nabbed the medal for his team’s convincing win in the under-15 boys, with Clarence overpowering Lauderdale.
But Clarence couldn’t bring home a second win in the under-16 boys, as Sandy Bay claimed victory with best-on-ground Louis Smith at the helm.
The 2022 STJFL season will kick off in the first week of April.
LATEST STORY:
THE under-13s to under-16s STJFL players are gearing up for a bumper grand final weekend to cap off a busy season.
Four games will be played on Sunday and there is no shortage of excitement ahead of the big day, according to competition manager Tony Gibson.
In the under-13s match, the Claremont Bulldogs will take on the Clarence Roos.
North Hobart will face off against Lindisfarne in the under-14s game and Clarence will clash with Lauderdale in the under-15s contest.
In the under-16.5s, the last game of the day, Sandy Bay will clash with Clarence.
“I wouldn’t like to predict which way this result might go,” Mr Gibson said.
“They’ve had some good tussles over the years, these two particular clubs.
“All players have worked very hard throughout their seasons.
“They’re very competitive.
“I’d encourage all footy supporter to get along and support their community club.”
LAST WEEK:
THE Southern Tasmanian Junior Football League grand final festival continues on Sunday, with five games to take place at North Hobart Oval.
The games range from under-13s to under-17s, with the main event of the day the under-17 A1 division, in which Sandy Bay Blue faces off against North Hobart.
“Obviously the teams have all been in competition fixture mode throughout the season,” competition manager Tony Gibson said.
“There’ll be a whole heap of excitement with players and supporters alike.
“Everybody loves to be able to play home football at North Hobart Oval.”
Mr Gibson said the sport had grown in popularity.
“The great beauty of the growth of the girls’ competition is how the numbers have grown over the last five years where we now have 48 junior and youth girls teams,” he said.
“And the continued improvement of those players, not only the recently joined but also the ones who started playing five years ago.”
Mr Gibson said there had been a continued growth of skill levels between the players and some were getting more recognised.
“Perri King commenced with New Norfolk and rose through the ranks and is playing with the Tassie Devils this year,” he said.
“Obviously with AFLW expanding to 18 clubs from 2023, that’s more spots that will be available in the national draft.
“The pathway is now there for them if they want to pursue football.”
Gates open at 7.45am and the first game kicks off at 9am.
JUNIORS IN FINE FORM FOR SEASON FINALES
A BEST-afield performance by onballer Mia Ratcliffe carried Lauderdale Red to victory in its STJFL grand final against New Norfolk at North Hobart Oval on Sunday.
Ratcliffe was the driving force for Lauderdale in the engine room and up forward as it went on to win the Under-15 Girls A2 premiership 6.2 (38) to 2.3 (15).
Lauderdale also won the Under-14 A2 Boys grand final 7.17 (59) to 4.4 (28), with onballer Jonty Winch named best on ground for the wayward Lauderdale on its way to the flag.
The South East Giants won the Under-13 A2 Boys grand final with an 8.5 (53) to 2.6 (18) victory over Brighton.
It was a triumph for the Giants, which are a joint effort following a merger between Dodges Ferry juniors and Sorell.
Giants midfielder Josh Rawson was named best afield.
The STJFL – the biggest junior football competition in the state – will host another five grand finals at North Hobart Oval next Sunday, all of them girls teams battling for their respective premierships.
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