MCDFNL v HDFNL Interleague Review – at Avoca

A very foggy morning out at Avoca turned into a beautiful day for our juniors in the Interleague match-up against the Horsham District FNL. Our U14.5 and U17.5 football sides, along with the 13 & Under, 15 & Under and 17 & Under netball teams, proudly pulled on the MCDFNL colours and put on a great show across five hard-fought contests.

🏉 Under 14.5 Football

The day began at 10am with our Under 14.5s taking the field in a tough, physical contest. MCDFNL settled early and held a comfortable half-time lead — 3.1 (19) to 1.1 (7). A late surge from HDFNL saw them close the gap with a couple of quick final-quarter goals, but our boys held strong to take the win.

Final Score: MCDFNL 5.6 (36) def. HDFNL 4.3 (27) – won by 9 points Best on Ground: Morgan Greenaway (Navarre)

🏉 Under 17.5 Football

This game had it all, speed, pressure and plenty of scoring. MCDFNL got off to a flying start with three early goals in the opening term. HDFNL hit back hard in the second, kicking five goals to one and taking a 39–25 lead into the main break.

The second half was all MCDFNL, with standout performances from Archie Chadwick and Mitchell McKnight, who kicked five and four goals respectively. The team slotted eight goals to two in the second half to run out impressive winners.

Final Score: MCDFNL 12.7 (79) def. HDFNL 8.8 (56) – won by 23 points Best on Ground: Archie Chadwick (Natte Bealiba)

🏐 13 & Under Netball

Our youngest netballers gave it their all throughout the match. Trailing just 13–20 at halftime, the team continued to push hard. HDFNL didn’t miss a beat in the second half and were able to extend their lead, but it was a huge effort from our girls, especially after playing club matches the day before.

Final Score: MCDFNL 18 – HDFNL 44 Best on Court: India Wardlaw (Avoca)

🏐 15 & Under Netball

The 15s came out strong, matching Horsham goal-for-goal in the first quarter (5–5). A few missed chances in the second quarter gave Horsham the edge, but MCDFNL responded well by winning the third quarter and pulling themselves right back into the contest. Despite their best efforts, Horsham closed out the game with the win.

Final Score: MCDFNL 21 – HDFNL 33 Best on Court: Shayla Blair (Avoca)

🏐 17 & Under Netball

This match was as close as they come. Tied at quarter-time and halftime (18–18), it was anyone’s game heading into the second half. Horsham edged ahead by two at the final break and extended their lead slightly in the final quarter to secure the win.

Final Score: MCDFNL 32 – HDFNL 37 Best on Court: Emily Beavis (Avoca)

MCDFNL v NCFL Interleague Review – at Lord Nelson

🏉 Under 14.5 Football

The day began at 10am with our Under 14.5s taking the field in a tough, physical contest. A bottom-age MCDFNL team came up against a top-age U15 side in North Central, but that didn’t deter our boys at all. They went out in all four quarters and gave each contest a great crack. While it wasn’t the result they wanted, but the experience was valuable and they'll be back better than ever next year.

Final Score: MCDFNL 1.1 (7) def. by NCFL 13.15 (93) – lost by 86 points Best on Ground: Rory Sanders (Carisbrook)

🏉 Under 17.5 Football

This was a game to watch! The first quarter had the MCDFNL boys under scoreboard pressure, but a late goal lifted their spirits and kept them right in it, thanks to NCFL’s inaccuracy in front of goal. Around the ground the contest was tight all day. After halftime, MCDFNL came out to make a statement, kicking three goals and narrowing the margin to just one point at the final change. Late in the last, North Central kicked two goals to level the scores with under a minute remaining. MCDFNL’s accuracy was on full display, slotting 8.3 to NCFL’s 6.15.

Final Score: MCDFNL 8.3 (51) drew. NCFL 6.15 (51) – draw Best on Ground: Mitchell McKnight (Harcourt)

2025 Interleague Coaches Football

• Under 14.5 – Jacob Meyer, Jake Gilbert
• Under 17.5 – Michael Pratt, Trent Mortlock

Netball

• 13 & Under – Georgie Finch, Emily McLure
• 15 & Under – Kylie Mortlock
• 17 & Under – Emma Ryan

A massive thank you to everyone involved in our Interleague programs. To our incredible coaches – your time, effort, session planning, dedication on training nights, game days and travel does not go unnoticed. You play a vital role in the development of the talent our league has to offer.

A huge thank you also goes to our players, team managers, trainers, and volunteers for your unwavering commitment and enthusiasm – you are the heart of what makes Interleague such a rewarding and successful experience.

And to the families who bring their kids to training each week, often from all corners of the league – thank you for your support and dedication. This program wouldn’t be possible without you.We also love to thank our interleague sponsors Pyrenees Premium Cuts for their support across the entire Interleague Program and the MCDFNL. With their support this year the league has been able to ensure each and every player is fitted out in a matching kit, across both Football and Netball. To put on display that our kits now match the skills and capabilities of the league and our young and upcoming stars!