Another successful Summer Training Program finished on a high with over 300 junior stars testing their skills on the match day finale at Glenferrie Oval, on Sunday 7 December.
Players from all age groups and training squads came together to showcase how much they have improved after a challenging eight-week program.
Despite the drizzly conditions, the day got off to fantastic start with the youngest (Year of Birth 2004/5) players playing a series of matches.
As the drizzle gradually disappeared, the other training squads, including the Youth Girls, continued to display the discipline and skills that everyone at DFS were pleased to see throughout the STP.
“The day was fantastic. It’s just great to see how much players have improved since the first sessions,” DFS Coaching Director Adrian Talarico said.
“We encourage them to work hard to help themselves improve and the skills and some of the play we see on match day shows how it can pay off.”
Despite no premiership points being on offer, the games were hard fought with every showing the high level of commitment displayed during the whole program.
Best on ground and player of the program awards were presented at the end of each match.
Photo galleries
2014 Summer Training Program Honour Roll
2004/5
Best on Ground –
Noah Hill (Heidelberg JFC), Jacob Cooke (Beverly Hills JFC), Jack Mantello (Maribyrnong Park), Hugo Noisara (Mt Eliza JFC)
Players of the Program –
Bulleen: Ben Franzi (Heidelberg JFC), Max Dooley (Whitehorse Colts)
Bundoora : Joshua Hamilton (Eltham JFC), Charlie Connell-Tobin (West Ivanhoe JFC)
Essendon: Luca Mollica (Maribyrnong Park JFC), Carlos Egan (Tullamarine JFC)
2003
Best on Ground – Darcy Stewart (Laurimer JFC), Tobey Pollard-Edwards (Mernda JFC)
Players of the Program –
Bulleen : Jack Shirley (Kew Comets JFC)
Bundoora: Ross Hatzis (Mernda JFC) , Walker Racovalis (Laurimer JFC)
Mt Eliza: Harry Rowe (Mt Eliza JFC)
2002
Best on Ground – Flynn Howell (Keilor JFC), James Rizzo (Mill Park FC)
Players of the Program –
Bulleen: Riley Williams (St Simons JFC)
Bundoora: Jack Marini (South Morang JFC)
2001
Best on Ground – Christian Centofanti (Ivanhoe JFC), Harrison Bell (Hawthorn Citizens JFC)
Players of the Program –
Bulleen: Caleb Ostwald (Banyule JFC), Patrick Rodwell (Doncaster Heights JFC)
Bundoora: Jari Cooper (Panton Hill JFC)
Essendon: Nathan Borg (Burnside Heights JFC), Lochlan Jones (East Sunbury JFC)
Youth Girls
Best on Ground – Sarah Johnston (Banyule JFC), Ruby Panozzo (Montmorency JFC)
Players of the Program –
Elisa Spina (Banyule JFC), Ella Kennedy (Kew Comets JFC), Jamie McCarthy (Epping JFC)
2000+
Best on Ground – Billy Connolo (Rupertswood JFC), Jibril Yamak (Strathmore JFC), Alexander Barton-Smith (Ferntree Gully JFC)
Players of the Program –
Bulleen: Callum Bowden (Karringal JFC)
Bundoora: Dylan Woods (Manor Lakes JFC), Caelan Anderson (Laurimer JFC), Jack House (Yarrambat JFC)
Mt Eliza: Jayden Thomas (Rye JFC)
Essendon: Luke Sultana (Rupertswood JFC), Tristan Rudic (Hillside JFC)