PHOTO 1: Medowie FC’s undefeated Under 13A Boys (l-r) Sam Ross (coach), Kaliyah Butler, Lachlan Wright, Toby Cox, Jacob Bonham, Beau Wheeler, Mia Curnow, Zachary Poole, Byron Hunt, Brad Hunt (coach); (front) Roray Bevear, Mpilo Nala, Tyler Lynn, Jordan O’Dwyer, Chace White, Hudson Petersen and Stacey Hunt (manager).
AN introduction to junior sport can be a steep learning curve for active kids.
But Medowie Football Club’s all-conquering Under 13 Boys team have wasted little time carving out an imposing record over the past two seasons in the Newcastle Football Interdistrict competition.
Since forming at the beginning of 2024, the talented young Bumblebees have acquired an impressive list of silverware.
The Medowie whiz kids capped a memorable 2025 campaign by lifting both the Under 13A minor premiership and Grand Final championship trophies, completing the season undefeated.
Under the guidance of representative coaches Sam Ross and Brad Hunt, the Bumblebees have developed a winning culture through their passion for the code, natural skills, determination and on-field connection.
Back-to-back minor premiership-championship doubles is quite a feat for the Medowie youngsters in their first two seasons of competitive football.
Talent and team work is the side’s recipe for success with the Bumblebees tasting defeat just once against Port Stephens rivals Nelson Bay FC during an incredible two-year period.
In a rain-marred campaign, Medowie peaked for the big end-of-season matches – eliminating Merewether 5-0 in a semi-final before clinching the Division One championship with a 2-0 victory over Kahibah Rams at King Park, Raymond Terrace.
Rising striker Lachlan Wright and Jacob Bonham nabbed goals in the trophy decider as the well-drilled Bumblebees annexed a fourth title after two eventful years together.
The prolific-scoring Wright is one of several Medowie colts to impress junior development talent scouts, along with outstanding goalkeeper Jordan O’Dwyer, centre defence Bonham, elusive wingers Beau Wheeler and Toby Cox and promising midfielders Zac Poole and Byron Hunt.
Other players to shine were the skilful Tyler Walker and Chace White and defenders Mia Curnow, Kaliyah Butler, Hudson Petersen, Tyler Lynn and Mpilo Nala plus rookie Roray Bevear.
A testament to the team’s overall depth was the selection of eight Medowie prospects – Wright, Bonham, O’Dwyer, Cox, Hunt, Poole, Walker and White – in the Newcastle Under 13s representative squad that defeated Macquarie 5-1 to capture the Community State Youth Championship title earlier this year at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility.
By Chris KARAS
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