Round 17 - 7 September 2024

Round 17 - the last game of the season for most of our teams this week.  This coming weekend is the Cup Finals for four of our FIFA teams, and then our Coaches, and Volunteers can all enjoy a much deserved rest.  Even if it is a short one for our Country Week Coaches and families!  36 of 135 Country Week players are from FMR and it’s really great to see the depth of talent we have, not just in FMR, but the Association as a whole.

I hope all our Country Week players have a great time, and look forward to all the updates.

U6 Ninja’s

The final game of the season was an emotional affair as the team gathered early to prepare for their last showdown against Vasse. Every team member was present, determined to end the season on a high note. With team captains Ashton and Evie leading the charge, they ensured that the team upheld the standard of their successful season, maintaining focus and energy throughout the day.

The game was charged with emotion, with plenty of support from parents and grandparents on the sidelines. In a show of true sportsmanship, our team lent a few of our top players to the opposition, ensuring the game could go ahead smoothly. Despite the two 20-minute halves flying by, the team put in a strong performance, playing with passion and determination in what felt like a brief but intense match.

At half-time, the team was treated to one of the best spreads of fruit we could have asked for. A colorful array of blueberries, oranges, and various other fruits gave us the energy to power through the second half. Big thanks to Tegan for fueling the team!

Following the game, several players stayed to observe the older teams, eager to gain insight into what next season might hold. The day wrapped up with a post-match celebration at the CBco, where some unexpected golf hits into the lake brought even more excitement to the occasion.

As we look forward to the upcoming awards ceremony and celebrations next week, the team remains positive about what lies ahead. With Luke set to guide us through the off-season, helping the team stay nimble and improve our skills, we’re confident that next season will be even stronger.

Britt, Matt, and Brie, our manager, would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all the parents and grandparents for their unwavering support throughout the year. The season has been a wonderful experience, and we’re already excited to return next year with even more team spirit.  Ninjas out for the last time in 2024!

U9 Dragons

And just like that, another season of football is finished! For our last game, the Dragons were at home against another FMR team, the Grizzlies.

The Dragons were pumped today as they had been looking forward to this game all season. The match kicked off with the Dragons applying immediate pressure on the Grizzlies, passing the ball accurately and showing great control. We hit the back of the net a few times, but the Grizzlies’ confident keeper also made some crucial saves, keeping the Dragons on their toes. 

After some oranges and a debrief with coach Jimmy, we kicked off the second half. The latter half of the game saw the Grizzlies take a more defensive position and the Dragons’s attack had to work hard to try and get past them. The kids never gave up and gave 100% effort right through to the final whistle. After the game it was smiles all round from the Dragons, who close their season happy with their progress and achievements this year.

Our final players of the day for the season were Fred, Jack and Leighton. Fred made his exciting debut on the scoreboard today, what a great way to end the season.  Both Leighton and Jack have been powerhouses for our team all season, with a constant hunger for the ball and consistent effort every game. Thanks to Two Cracks Coffee and Burger Baby for our vouchers!  Over and out from the Dragons, we’ll be back bigger and stronger next season!

U10 Storm

U10 Storm ended the season with a win against MUSC Giants in a game that kept both teams covering the whole field the whole game. We had multiple POD awarded to Nalu Walker, Lachlan Wills, Ethan Terrassin, Azden Wishart and Matt Nolan, thanks to LJ Soccer, Witchy Pies and Amaze’N.

U10 River Squad

Nerves were high for the last game of the season. With a man down River Squad did their best but was over powered by the GMAS Jets at half time.

Second half was completely different with the ball being played mostly in our half. Back line did a great job keeping that ball at bay. Dylan in particular all over that ball and getting it away. Luca played well but missing shots on goal by a millimetre. Not a win but proud of this team. Go River Squad

U13 Rockets

What a way to wrap up season proper with a cracker of a Derby between the Rockets and Warriors. This season, both teams have produced quality football and were in the hunt for the league right to the end. For the Rockets, pending final round results they could have finished anywhere from first to third, so there was a bit riding on this final round match.

For the Warriors, bragging rights were on the table. With a win each throughout the season, the Warriors were out to take the 3rd rubber and show the Rockets what they have.

From the whistle you could tell that the Rockets had a focused mission. Their backline structure was sound and Coach Jason had implemented a simple approach to produce clean passing out from the backs, movement through the middle and spreading the ball wide for the wingers to bring it up the pitch. The Warriors defence were under fire and produced some brilliant goalkeeping.

An early goal by Hayden got the Rockets on the board. It was a great tussle in the midfield between Decci and Hayden, both displaying their skills and fancy footwork. As the match went on, it was the Rockets team play and ball movement that gave them the edge and before too long, they were 2-0 up following slick passing through the middle, a perfect cross from the right by Kalani and a clinical finish from Charlie right into the back of the net.

After the break, the Rockets kept on their mission. The unbreakable backline of Laec, Alby, Miles and Riley, along with Oli in goals, kept the ball well up the pitch. It was one of the best backline performances yet and allowed the attackers freedom to approach goal.

Hayden looped one over the keepers head to make it 3-0 and it was almost in the bag. But the Warriors, true to their spirit, never gave up and had a number of late chances, deserving of a goal. With minutes to go, Cody finished off a curling corner and the final score was 4-0 to the Rockets.

A proud performance by all players meant for a shared Player of the Day. The Rockets ended their season with 2nd place in the league and they couldn’t be happier. Next week is the Cup Final, let’s GOOOOO!!!

U13 Warriors

Congratulations to the Rockets for securing the win in a well-contested game. The Warriors ended the season on a high note, displaying fantastic teamwork.

Catto, our first player of the day, skillfully managed the goals and box despite intense pressure. Sophia, Savana (our other player of the day), and Che formed a formidable defensive trio, consistently clearing the ball. Angus displayed great determination, relentlessly clearing the ball and delivering kicks up the field. Anouk put in an exceptional effort, applying constant physical pressure.

Flynn, Alex, and Max showed great endurance, driving forward and back on the field, fulfilling both attacking and defensive roles. Declan came back into the side and had managed time on the field. Tadhg played diligently on the wing to try and keep the Rockets at bay.

Our team put in a good defensive performance, with everyone contributing and playing hard until the final whistle. Holly provided fresh legs by alternating in and out of the backline.

Unfortunately, Luca didn’t have many opportunities to score, but he worked hard to help regain possession of the ball. It was great to have Arlo there; although injured, he supported the team from the sidelines.

Well done on a fantastic season, Warriors. You displayed strength and determination right until the end.

U14 Tigers

The last game of the season for our Tigers was played on the opponent's home ground of Dunsborough. The first half started with a quick save by Levi. Shots at goal from Chloe Buster and Alex made the game tense, even though Dunsborough's attacking earned them 5 goals. Piper, Hunter and Jacob showed resilience in the goal area and got the play down the sidelines with Fiona and Jahli. In the 2nd half, Levi joined the offensive, showing skilled footwork along with Mia and Arie. Riley stopped a few goal shots with one ball skimming past his fingers. A few high kicks and headers reminded me of volleyball. Luca and Charlie showed resilience against Dunsborough's goal attacks and Emily showed her full passion in the second half. Alex got THE goal for tigers (7-1), with his second try shortly after hitting the post. Thank you Tigers for your passionate dedication and fun spirit throughout the season. Thanks to all parents for your dedication to driving and organising. 

Award for Player of the Day - Piper

U14 Sharks

It was another close game between these evenly matched sides.   Vincent held the defensive line together and we saw great passing and tackles from Ava and Marli.  Kai put in a strong individual performance, scoring both the Sharks goals and was 'Player of the day'.  Both teams had excellent passing and team play, the Lions just edging ahead at the final whistle, Sharks 2 , Busselton 3.  Thanks to Amaze'n for the voucher.

U15 The Blaze

The Blaze took on an under-manned BCFC team for the last game of the season proper.  Archie opened the goal scoring with a casual kick that went in.  The second came from a long bomb from Stirling.

There was some excellent saves by the BCFC Keeper (who had never played this position before) who stopped more than went in.  Jarrah had a shot that was saved, Jay picked up the rebound but couldn’t get his shot past either.  Ethan had a beautiful play that gave him a fantastic chance by that was also caught by the keeper.  Then Ollie Lawrey broke through with a clean run up to score.

BCFC also had chances up forward, but our strong defenders and Keeper Matty kept them off the scoreboard.

It was a fast paced game with some really good passages of play from both teams.  Stirling had another shot that was saved, but Archie picked up the rebound to knock it in.  Ethan then slipped around the BCFC defences and took a good solid strike for his goal.  Archie book-ended the scoring with the last goal of the match.   Despite being short ton players, BCFC didn’t

t let up all game and certainly didn’t make it easy for us.  Well done to everyone!  Real team effort to get the win.  Player of the Day went to Matty.  Thanks Squid Lips!  Looking forward to the finals next week.  Will be a brilliant day!

YL Wanderers

Margaret River hosted Busselton on Saturday in what was their last game for the season and what a game it was. Despite a three to two loss, I can honestly say that the final score was not a true reflection of how the game was played. Margaret River easily played their best game for the season and showed true grit for every minute of the game and applied constant pressure to Busselton all day.

The first half was completely dominated by Margaret River and it was only an unlucky own goal that allowed Busselton to gain an early lead. Margaret River quickly drew level though with a great goal to Ryder at the twenty seven minute mark. Highlights of the first half included an amazing strike from Caspian that unfortunately found the crossbar and a cheeky lob from Cohen over the goal keepers head, that was ever so close to scoring too.

I have to admit that I got a little caught up in the great game of football in the second half and my notes suffered as a result. I can tell you that Busselton managed to score and went into the lead. Shortly after, Ryder, who was playing out of his skin, was extremely unlucky to find the post with an incredible free kick which was struck with immense power. Unfortunately Malik, who was again one of Margaret Rivers best, was injured at the 17 minute mark and would take no further part in the game. Captain Remi was inspirational all day and at the twenty eight minute mark he applied immense pressure to the Busselton goal keeper which allowed Ryder to  swoop in and find the back of the net to level the scores once again.

The game was far from over though as Busselton again managed to find a goal against the run of play with only a few minutes left on the clock. Margaret River went into attack mode and with only a few seconds left was extremely unlucky to not have a penalty called in their favour. In saying that, being a referee is a thankless job and we are extremely lucky to have people willingly putting themselves in the firing line, week in and week out. So a big shout out to all the referees out there. Thank you for your huge efforts all year.

So all in all, what a great way to finish the season guys. So proud of all of you. So many good players for Margaret River, but our player of the day went to Cohen, who was at his courageous best, with honourable mentions to Archer, Remi, Malik, Ryder, Caspian and the rest of the team.