It was our last home game at Mortimer Oval this season, and what better way to acknowledge the diversity and inclusion in our great game than during Pride Round.
With a sea of rainbow colours everywhere, everyone was welcome to join in and celebrate the day and of course some fantastic footy as well!
Having our community partners The Lord's Taverners also in attendance only added to the colour, as our day was under way!
If you have pics of the games and you would like to share them so we can post them here, please email media.lsjafc@gmail.com
Under U8s - Swans vs Byron
By Coach Peter
Once again we took to the field full of energy after the holiday break against the very skilled Byron Magpies and knowing we would again be in for a tough contest. The last 2 times we have played Byron have jumped out of the gates and we have chased hard for the rest of the game. This time our mighty U8’s Swans had other plans and jumped the Magpies our midfield sending plenty of ball forward with the opportunities were taken while our defense worked hard when the ball came there way.
We stuck to our game plan of quick playing on and plenty of running which resulted in more pressure on the Magpies. Byron hit back in the 4th quarter and the gap closed right to the wire with our Mighty Swans getting the best result against Byron for the year. A stand out effort from a very committed and determined group of young players that have shown remarkable improvement across the ground.
Voucher Winners
Hugh Bashforth
Beau Lawler
Under U10 Girls - Swans vs Byron Bay
By Nicholas McQuilty
Another great weekend of footy against the Byron Bay Magpies.
With an odd number of kids leaving us out-numbered in one of our zones, it was truly inspiring to see Lilah's grit and determination to get the ball in a 2 on 1 contest, then use her speed and skill to break free and kick a goal, earning herself one of the Baskin and Robbins awards.
The second award went to Charlie for her continued effort and improvement each week.
Great game girls.
Under 10s Red - Swans vs Tweed Tigers Yellow
By Manager - Warren
It was a fine day for AFL. Great for the boys to be back on the field after the school break. The guys played a strong game. Held the scores close with Tweed Tigers.
Everybody was having fun. We lost 2 players through injuries. But the boys played harder to cover the gaps. Well done everyone.
Voucher Winners
Davis May
Steel Burton
Under U10s White - Swans vs Byron Magpies
By Coach Robbie and Richard
Well what a beautiful winters morning to play. The ground was in pristine condition and with a leisurely 9.45am start in the warmth of the sun, the team was eager to strut their stuff.
And what a game it was!!!!
After a welcome school holiday break, the boys burst out of the blocks, Byron are a class act with skill and team play aplenty, however we brought our A game today.
Starting with gusto in the centre Xavier, Harvey, Lachlan and Jonah easily brought the ball into the forward line to Fynn, picking up from where he left off from the last game played, dodged,weaved and with blistering pace posted our first major.
Time and again our boys thirst for the contest overcame the opposition with forward thrusts providing numerous scoring opportunities. Harvey and Jonah are renowned for their contested game and once again were relentless in pursuit of the footy. Lachlan was a tower of strength in the cut and thrust of the rucking role, showing great tenacity in his follow up work, tackling and ground ball gets.
The forwards Dean, Fynn and under 8's dynamo Hugh gave us constant reward for efforts from further up the ground, converting scoring opportunities into scoreboard pressure. Fynn with multiple goals and Dean within a whisker of posting a major, Byron had little chance to catch up, as we locked the ball in the forward half.
The lack of oranges at half time proved a great challenge and a loss of focus for the boys, but with coach Robbie in total control of proceedings at least there was plenty of cool, fresh water for the boys to imbibe and gain some respite from the grueling heat of combat.
After the half time break we knew Byron would be relentless in their efforts to claw back the margin, and we were not disappointed. The magpies really dig deep to wrestle control of the game. This provided our boys the chance to really show their mettle. Our pressure on the opposition was astonishing, every opportunity to tackle and harass was taken, often with 2 of our players clamping down on any magpie brave enough to take possession.
It is in the "heat of the kitchen" where our 2 tenacious terriers, Max and Archer thrive.
These boys are always up for a tussle and despite being the youngest and smallest of our valiant team, they never shirk a contest, even against behemoth opponents.
Max, a deserved voucher winner this week, not only tackled and threw himself into the fray, winning the ball, showed great poise in cleaning up with clearing kicks to teammates.
A special mention to our other voucher winner Josh. For a new teammate he was outstanding, displaying skill and endeavour of a veteran. We certainly have found a keeper with Josh. Well done lad.
Thanks also to our other under 8's teammate Callum, who once again acquitted himself admirably it is a pleasure to have you Callum.
Given it was pride round, acceptance and support for every individual, it was fitting that we played our most team oriented performance. Each player was crucial to the game and the team is richer for having each boy involved.
Well done under 10's white, you are all champions.
A proud coach
Under U12s - Swans vs Byron Magpies
By Coach Shane
Under 12’s played Byron Bay at home. Byron got out to an early lead at halftime Byron leading by 4 goals. To Lismore credit the bounced back in the 3rd kicking 3 goals to 1 goal. The final quarter we held our own with both teams starting to tire. Finishing 2 goals short in the end.Â
Fantastic team effort everyone.
Byron 6.10.46
Swans 5.4.34
Goal kickersÂ
Jai Leach 3
Lachlan Power 1
Louis Ashby 1
Under U14s - Swans vs Tweed Tigers vs Ballina Bombers
By Coach Tim
Friday Night
On a greasy night in Byron, the boys were undermanned after a couple of late withdrawals but were still able to put up a really good fight. The first game of the round robin was against Tweed where the swans were dominant. Lochlan was able to win the ruck battle and get the ball inside our forward 50 quickly and set up our goals. The swans won by 3 goals.
The second game was against Ballina and it was a lot tougher with Ballina able to win their share of centre clearances and take their chances up forward. Blaze and Jayden were great in and under the contest while Tom B had great run coming off the backline. The swans ended up going down by 2 goals.
Goal Scorers:
Lochlan 3
Caleb 2
Blaze 1
If you have pics of the games and you would like to share them so we can post them here, please email media.lsjafc@gmail.com
Well that concludes a fabulous day at Mortimer Oval, and how about those rainbow footies!
There are still plenty of activities and events happening over the next month or so, so keep your eyes peeled for the dates when they become available!
If you have any difficulties, or are unable to attend anything and wish to, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our best to accommodate you!