WHEN the Wonthaggi Power Under 18s team ran out on to the local recreation reserve for the first time in three years on Saturday, against last year’s premiers Warragul, it was already a huge win for the club and the district.
Not since 2022, when they won three games from 18 after struggling to get back on the field after COVID, has Wonthaggi Power been able to field an Under 18 team.
But it was always the club’s intention to field a complete set of underage teams, and after a tremendous amount of work in the off-season, it was a proud moment for the committee and coaching group to see their efforts pay dividends.
As the club at the furthest end of the league, there’s always the issue of travel and getting a junior team to games as far distant as Bairnsdale, Maffra and Sale but as well as offering local football talent the best chance to take their football further, by playing in the Gippsland League, everyone knows how crucial underage teams are to the success of any club, from parent and community involvement, to providing future players.
On Saturday, Wonthaggi started well, holding last year’s premiers to two goals while kicking one themselves but with the wind in the second quarter, Warragul kicked away to a winning lead by half time.
Wonthaggi kicked two goals to three in a competitive third quarter and held their own in the run to the line with Warragul adding another three goals to run out comfortable winners.
But it was a very appreciative Power supporters’ group and family that welcomed the boys back to the rooms after heading up Wonthaggi Power’s return to the big league with such a stirring performance.
Best Players included Lucas Allen, Oliver Feather, Malachi Ori, Lucas Ton, Mitchell Ward and Nathan Tack but the team enjoyed contributions right across the field.
Goal kickers included Andot Mankhong and Lucas Allen.
Under 16s
In the Under 16s match between Wonthaggi Power and Warragul, the Gulls got out to a winning lead in the first quarter 29 points to 1 and thereafter, the Power boys held their own finishing just 27 points adrift in a good three-quarter showing by the locals.
Best players for Wonthaggi Power were Heath Bowen, Robert Hullick, William Simmons, Jackson Glen, Finn O'Halloran and Nate Pugh.
Goal kickers included Nate Pugh 3, William Hullick 2, William Simmons 1 and Heath Bowen 1.
