AFL 9's - Lalor District Championships

First Siren, Big Hearts: LEPS Debuts at Lalor District AFL 9s (11 September)

What a day for LEPS! On Thursday 11 September, our Girls and Boys AFL 9s squads took the field for our school’s first-ever AFL 9s competition. The scoreboard didn’t always go our way, but our values, smiles and growth were on full display from first bounce to final siren.

Game Day at a Glance

• Teams: LEPS Girls & LEPS Boys
• Format: 4 games each, back-to-back
• Focus: Learning the AFL 9s game, supporting teammates, playing with pride

Values on Show

Our students represented LEPS brilliantly - respectful to umpires, encouraging to teammates, and gracious with opponents. We’re especially proud that the LEPS Boys were voted “Best & Fairest” across all schools for their values and never-give-up attitude. The LEPS Girls put in a valiant, whole-team effort, lifting their communication and defensive pressure each game.

What We Learned (and Loved)

• AFL 9s flow: Fast ball movement, quick restarts, and finding space
• Team shape: Spreading the ground, switching play, and leading to the ball
• Skills under pressure: Clean hands, quick kicks, mark-and-move decisions
• Game IQ: Reading turnovers, defending as a unit, and staying switched on
• Character: Backing ourselves, supporting each other, and finishing with a smile

Proud Coach Moment

Every huddle got louder with belief. Players ran hard in every contest, offered a hand up after tackles, and thanked officials at the end. That’s LEPS spirit, and it’s worth more than any scoreline.

Mr Sharples