Congratulations to our U8, U9, U10 and U11 representative sides that did exceptionally well at the annual Melbourne Knights pre-season tournament. The event is held each year usually for all junior age groups but due to water restrictions only U8 to U12 ages could be accommodated this year. Invited club sides are placed in two groups of three. After two group games on the Saturday, the winners of each group return Sunday to play in the grand final.

The U8s in their first tournament as a new squad did not quite qualify for their grand final but enjoyed their experience as new football players.

The U9s won both group games 5 - 0, but were defeated in the grand final 2 - 1 by Avondale heights. Coach Steve Andrejic commented that his players did not have time to adapt to the larger and more physical style of players, but the experience was invaluable for the players to help them develop against physical opposition over the coming years.

The U10s also won their group convincingly but similarly wen down to went down in the grand final 4 - 1 to a more direct and long-ball orientated Essendon Royals side. Coach Manni Katakis was able to assess the development needs of the players, particularly coaching young defenders to adapt and position themselves to defend direct and long-ball tactics, and then to play the ball out as a team with composure.

The U11s won their grand final in a nail biting penalty shoot-out against Melbourne Knights. Coach Dave Bennett said the win was poetic justice after they were denied a certain wining goals in the last second. With the score locked at 1 - 1, the Monash striker rounded the Knights goal-keeper, but amazingly the referee blew the full-time whistle before being allowed to slot the ball into an empty net. The U11s have consolidated well over the pre-season and Coach Bennett commented he will have to make difficult selection decisions to trim the final squad to 14 players later this week.

A great effort and perfect preparation for the season ahead.