Coach Braithyn Kerr reflects on an unforgettable tournament and what’s next for the group.
The 2025 National Junior Classic will go down as a memorable chapter in the story of the Frankston Blues U12 Girls program, with this year’s squad finishing as silver medallists after an incredible six-game campaign over the King’s Birthday weekend.
For head coach Braithyn Kerr, now in his third consecutive year leading a Frankston team at the Classic, the tournament continues to hold a special place.
“The experience was nothing short of phenomenal,” Braithyn said. “It was so much fun and filled with positive memories that will last forever. The girls brought such energy — always happy, laughing, and supporting each other. It made coaching them an absolute joy.”
The team went 5–0 through pool play and finals, defeating top-tier opponents from across the country, including Central Districts, Sandringham, Sturt, and Melbourne. Their run ended in the Grand Final against Casey, who proved too strong on the day, but Kerr was full of praise for his players.
“I couldn’t be prouder of how the team performed,” he said. “Every single one of the 12 girls stepped up and played their role to perfection. We were operating at our absolute best — not just in skill, but in how we worked together. The connection, effort, and commitment were really special.”
The preparation for the Classic wasn’t just about chasing short-term success. From the start of the season, Braithyn and his coaching staff focused on long-term player development, embedding habits and systems that would hold up under pressure.
“We committed to playing in a way that would develop the whole team over time,” he explained. “Closer to the tournament, we focused on refining the details — sharpening what we already knew. By the time the Classic arrived, the girls were physically prepared and mentally switched on.”
This silver medal continues a remarkable run of success for Frankston’s Under 12 Girls, marking the third straight year the club has reached the Grand Final at the National Junior Classic.
“It’s an achievement that fills me with immense pride,” Kerr said. “It reflects the strong foundation that’s been built through our junior development program. I want to especially acknowledge Cristy McCluskey, Travis Allen, Shaylea Kerr, and Carla Mathisen — they’ve all played a massive role in shaping this program over the past few years.”
Looking ahead, Braithyn is confident that the Classic has only strengthened the group’s belief and bond as they return to Victorian Championship division action.
“The girls now know they can compete with anyone, and we’ll use that momentum to keep building,” he said. “Every athlete in this group has the potential to achieve something special. We’ll keep focusing on development, keep growing, and keep doing things the right way.”