WR Engineering Weekly Wrap - Round 12

The round of football saw several clubs strengthening their positions as the season continues to build toward the pointy end of the year. Clubs around the League were without some of their best talent, with the AFL Sydney/Canberra Combined Rep teams in action on the Gold Coast. Let’s take a dive into all the action from the weekend.

WR Engineering First Grade Men

Eastlake Demons v Gungahlin Jets

Eastlake produced one of its most complete performances of the season, defeating Gungahlin by 78 points, 16.14 (110) to 4.8 (32).

The Demons established control from the opening bounce and never allowed the Jets an opportunity to build sustained momentum. Eastlake's ball movement and forward-half pressure generated an early 33-point lead at quarter time before the margin extended to 49 points by the main break.

The Jets continued to compete throughout the afternoon and produced their most productive period after half-time, but Eastlake's experience and composure ensured the margin continued to grow through the final two terms. James Roberts led the way for the Demons with 5 goals on the day.

Hugh Strickland, James Roberts, Jack Evesson Larsen, Donald Roberts and Harrison Clubb were recognised among Eastlake's best contributors, while Jake Thorpe, Jordan Neal, Tom Gatenby, Lachlan Smith, Royce Miitze and Ethan Councillor were among the best for the Jets.

Ainslie Tricolours v Batemans Bay Seahawks

Ainslie continued its strong season with a 58-point victory over Batemans Bay, running out winners 15.14 (104) to 7.4 (46).

The Tricolours built their advantage steadily across the afternoon. A three-point lead at quarter time became a commanding 31-point buffer by half-time as Ainslie's midfield gained ascendancy and repeatedly supplied quality opportunities inside 50.

Batemans Bay remained competitive and showed resilience, particularly through periods in the second half, but Ainslie's consistency across all four quarters proved the difference. The Tricolours added five final-quarter goals to finish strongly and underline their authority around the contest. Joe Bishop starred for the Tricolours kicking 3 goals and amassing a huge 164 KVA Points.

Joe Bishop, Daniel Hoffmann, Luke Crocker, Sam Oliver, Tommy Muir and Thomas Faul led the way for Ainslie. Batemans Bay's strongest performers included Sam Martyn, Nathan Munnerley, Michael Thane, Mitch Taylor, Jake Sullivan and Tully Ware.

Belconnen Magpies v Tuggeranong Valley

The closest contest of the men's round saw Belconnen overcome a determined Tuggeranong Valley outfit by 12 points, 11.6 (72) to 8.12 (60).

Little separated the sides early. Belconnen held a one-point advantage at quarter time before extending the margin to 19 points by half-time. Tuggeranong Valley responded strongly after the main break, creating genuine pressure and ensuring the result remained in doubt deep into the final term.

Despite the Valley's fightback, the Magpies found the key moments when required and held firm defensively to secure an important victory. Blake Chapman booted four majors for the Magpies, while Noah Budd led the way for Tuggeranong in the absence of his brother Riley, amassing 136 KVA Points, 38 hit-outs and 10 tackles.

Riley Hansen, Blake Chapman, Noah Smith, Addie Vincent, Jacob Taylor and Ben Godwin were among Belconnen's best, while Joe Carroll, Noah Budd, Liam Naughton, Jack Sanson, Tyler Donlan and Riley Masters were recognised for their efforts in a competitive Valley performance.

WR Engineering First Grade Women

Eastlake Demons v Gungahlin Jets

Eastlake bounced back after two losses and a bye with a hard-earned 21-point victory over Gungahlin, prevailing 5.8 (38) to 2.5 (17).

The Demons laid the foundation early, keeping the Jets scoreless in the first quarter and carrying a 16-point lead into the opening break. Gungahlin worked its way back into the contest during the middle stages, limiting Eastlake's scoring opportunities and remaining within reach heading into the final term.

When the game was on the line, Eastlake responded with a composed final quarter to close out the result and maintain control of proceedings. Maddie Convery was dominant for the Demons with 36 disposals, 10 tackles and a total of 142 KVA Points.

Charlotte Marshall, Kya Reagan, Hannah Kearney, Eleanor Lidbetter, Maddie Convery and Iris Rangiah featured among Eastlake's best players. Clare Warwick, Karina Collins, Kate McGrath, Belinda Wozniak, Amity Yeoman and Ainslie Winefield were strong contributors for the Jets.

Ainslie Tricolours v Batemans Bay Seahawks

Ainslie delivered the largest winning margin of the women's round, defeating Batemans Bay 17.14 (116) to 1.1 (7).

The Tricolours were in control from the opening quarter and produced a relentless four-quarter performance. Ainslie piled on eight goals before half-time and showed no signs of slowing after the break, adding a further nine majors in an impressive attacking display.

While the Seahawks were unable to match Ainslie's scoring power, they continued competing throughout the afternoon and were rewarded with a goal that reflected their persistence. Karina Wells-Demant kicked six goals for the Tricolours and Georgia Patterson continued her strong season with 30 disposals, 8 tackles and a total of 145 KVA Points.

Claudia Williver, Casey Smith, Karina Wells-Demant, Georgia Patterson, Brandy Nicholson and Imogen Morse were standout performers for Ainslie. Sophie Alves, Brodie White, Ali Thompson, Claire Callaghan, Karmen Ison and Amy White fought hard for Batemans Bay.

Belconnen Magpies v Tuggeranong Valley 

Belconnen had a 30-point victory over Tuggeranong Valley, winning 8.6 (54) to 3.6 (24) heading into the bye this weekend, and missing a number of crucial players through rep duty.

The Magpies established an early advantage and gradually increased their lead across each quarter. Tuggeranong Valley remained within striking distance during the opening half and produced its best football in the third term, but Belconnen's ability to consistently create scoring opportunities proved decisive.

Belconnen's balanced team performance ensured the margin remained comfortable through the final quarter and secured another valuable four premiership points. Maddie Bailey kicked four goals for the Magpies and Katie Taylor also had a strong game with 19 disposals, 13 tackles and 111 KVA Points.

Hannah Pound, Maddie Bailey, Katie Taylor, Sarah Crakanthorp, Ashley Lockerbie and a developing young contributor listed among the Magpies' best, while Ava Brassil, Anne-Maree Ghirardello, Jade Miller, Lucy Mckelvie Hill, Imogen Badham and Coco Duggan were recognised for their efforts for Tuggeranong Valley.

AFL Sydney/Canberra Combined Rep

The weekend also provided an opportunity to celebrate the strength of football across Canberra and the broader NSW/ACT region, with the AFL Sydney and Canberra Combined representative teams producing impressive victories over Queensland Country at Fankhauser Reserve on 11 July.

The AFL Sydney and Canberra Men delivered a commanding performance to claim a 123–55 win, while the AFL Sydney and Canberra Men completed a clean sweep with a 52–14 victory. The results showcased the depth of talent across both competitions and highlighted the pathways available to community footballers to represent their clubs, leagues and regions on a bigger stage.

Congratulations to the selected players below who represented the League in these matches:

WOMEN

MEN

Looking ahead to Round 13 this weekend, the unbeaten run’s of Queanbeyan Women and Ainslie Men will again be challenged as we move closer to Finals time.

Head over to the AFL Canberra PlayHQ page for all fixtures, results and ladders for the WR Engineering AFL Canberra Premier Division.