Yarra Valley Water 2025 Season Review | Lilydale

By Josh Ward.

Some promise shown in a year full of change for Lilydale’s senior men’s side whilst its netball program had some success.

Senior Men’s

Ladder Position: 10th (2-16, 61.48%)

Leading Goalkicker: Josh White (28 goals in 16 games)

Best and Fairest: Riley Clausen

Summary

Whilst some promise was shown from the Falcons, it was an overall tough year for Lilydale who finished with a second wooden spoon in three years.

Things started off promisingly under new coach Duncan Jones, winning two of their opening three games under the former Whitehorse coach.

But then it quickly turned for the worse. Injuries and unavailability saw the Falcons lose their final 15 games of the season, even losing Jones himself midway through the season and that losing streak.

Whilst they went on that lengthy losing streak they still had some promising performances, including against eventual premiers Wantirna South at home in Round 14 and against preliminary finalist Surrey Park in Round 16 away from home.

That promise didn’t translate into wins though as they finished three and a half games behind ninth-placed East Burwood.

Best Win: Round 1 - Lilydale 8.9 (57) defeated Croydon 2.12 (24) @ Lilydale Sports Oval

A win that certainly caught the attention of plenty across the EFNL in Duncan Jones’ first game as coach, convincingly defeating the 2024 Division 2 Grand Finalist at home.

The Falcons started off strongly with a three goal to three behind opening term before a two goal to four behind second term saw them take a 26-point lead into the main break.

They then kicked another three goals in the second half to just two for the Blues, both of which coming in the last quarter, to secure a confidence-boosting 33-point triumph under lights in the opening game of the season.

Ben Hickleton, Riley Clausen and Marc Massarotti all starred in the win, with Massarotti the leading goalkicker alongside recruit Max Dooley.

Key Players 

Captain Riley Clausen was yet again stellar for the Falcons, earning himself another Lilydale B&F and selection in the Division 2 Team of the Year at Centre.

Recruit Harry Evans, in his first season at the LSO, showed plenty of promise in the 13 games he played, being named in the best on eight occasions.

Rowan Tucker and Josh White impacted the scoreboard consistently, with White the Falcons leading goalkicker while Tucker also consistently contributed in midfield and attack.

What’s Next?

Plenty to improve on for the Falcons who most likely will stay in Division 2 next year.

After Jones’ resignation they quickly went out and found a new permanent coach in Mark Sandilands who’s set to go again after getting some exposure this past season.

The Falcons have been quick to retain key players including Clausen, White, Massarotti, Tucker, Zac Carolan and Kyan Ellis.

They’ve also further bolstered their youth, with Blackburn duo Tom Riddiford and Jesse Brown signing on, the latter coming off 10 senior games with the Burners in season 2025.

If they can add a bit more experience then the Falcons could be one side that improves after an at time promising but tough season overall.

Netball

Team by Team

Lilydale Gold (Division 4)

Ladder: 6th (7-5-2)

A positive season for the Falcons in Division 4 who in the end fell just short of making finals.

It was an up and down start to the year for the Falcons, winning four of their opening seven games of the season.

After winning three in a row to start the second half of the season they then lost two in a row before drawing their final two games of the season, resulting in a sixth-placed finish in a highly competitive Division 4.

Taylah Barr had an excellent season, scoring 285 goals which saw her claim this side’s best and fairest ahead of Kayla Tucker who consistently performed despite playing 10 of 14 games.

Lilydale Blue (Division 9)

Ladder: 1st (11-2)

By far the most successful of Lilydale’s sides in the 2025 Ringwood Mazda Netball Competition was their Division 9 team.

They started off by winning their opening nine games of the year before dropping their first game against Chirnside Park Panthers Diamonds in Round 11.

Winning two of their final three games, they would then meet the Panthers in the Qualifying Final. Defeating Chirnside to book their ticket to the decider, they would meet them again on Grand Final night, falling just short of claiming the ultimate prize.

Jasmine Hill was a consistent performer, claiming the side’s best and fairest ahead of Chloe Zanon and Mackenzie Lee, the latter scoring 249 goals to finish second in the division’s goalshooting charts.

Lilydale White (Division 14)

Ladder: 7th (3-8-1)

It was a tough but at times auspicious year for the Falcons White side in Division 14.

After starting off with a draw the Falcons then lost their next five games before claiming their first win against Chirnside Park Black in Round 8.

They then won two of their next three games after that victory before dropping their final two games of the season against eventual finalists, finishing the season in third-last.

Carly Gilchrist led the way in attack with 122 goals, finishing runner up in the side’s best and fairest behind B&F Lily Hall who was a consistent contributor for the Falcons White side.