Saints win back-to-back Under 14 titles

Inverell's Under 14s players celebrate after the final siren sounded in the 2023 Grand Final at Valley Oval.

INVERELL’S Under 14 team produced a strong Grand Final performance to win the premiership for a second consecutive year.

The Saints proved too strong for the Tamworth Roosters in the second half kicking four goals to one after the main break to record a 6.12 (48) to 2.6 (18) victory.

Both sides had some strong contributors but it was Kaidhn Holder who was the pick of the crop earning Best-on-Ground honours ahead of teammates Hayden Peters and Zach Johnson.

The Roosters were well served by Jacob Wright who provided plenty of run all around the ground while Dane Cuddihy and Noah Jameson-Gill also played strong games.

INVERELL SAINTS  1.5  2.7  4.10  6.12 (48)

TAMWORTH ROOSTERS 0.1 1.3 1.6 2.6 (18)

Goals – Inv: Aidan Readett 2, Z.Johnson, B.Alexander, R.Alexander, L.McLennan. Tam: D.Cuddihy, J.Wright.

Best – Inv: K.Holder (B.O.G Medal), H.Peters, Z.Johnson, B.Alexander, H.Woodbury, A.Readett.

Johnson named the best for the year

INVERELL midfielder Zachariah Johnson capped off a memorable Grand Final Day when it was announced he was the winner of the AFL North West Under 14 Best & Fairest award.

Johnson polled 11 votes from the umpires to finish just one vote ahead of Jacob Wright from the Tamworth Roosters.

Inverell’s Hayden Peters finished in third place with eight votes ahead of New England Nomads pair Vernon Toakley and Mack Oxley.

Toakley and Oxley filled the top two positions in the Coaches award count. Toakley was named the winner ahead of Oxley, Noah Jameson-Gill from the Tamworth Roosters, his teammate Jacob Wright with Johnson finishing in fifth position.

Peters claimed the leading goal kicker award having kicked 21 goals through the home and away season to finish two goals ahead of Wright.