Sport
14 April, 2026
MCDFNL Round One Football Review
Round one of the 2026 Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League was completed last Saturday with some exciting matches.
Missed chances cost Tigers
Lexton has opened its Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League season with a 17-point home loss to Maryborough, left to rue costly inaccuracy in front of goal.
Both sides struggled to convert, with the Tigers kicking 6.19 (55) and the Giants 9.18 (72).
Lexton trailed at every change, with the margin stretching to 26 points at the final break. However, the Tigers showed resilience in the last quarter, outscoring the Giants to build some momentum heading into tomorrow’s clash with Maldon.
Tigers coach Paul Borchers said that despite the scoreboard, there were plenty of positives to take from the performance.
“We were in the game, and even though both teams kicked points, I feel we missed some crucial opportunities that changed the momentum quickly,” he said.
“A major positive was seeing elements we worked on during pre-season, although there were still some inconsistencies.
“When I read out the team on Thursday night, we had 12 debutants for the club. That’s where we broke down at times with players not fully understanding their roles under pressure.
“The connection will come with time. While we’re disappointed, it’s a long season, and credit to Maryborough,they wanted it more.”
Jackson Kurzman and Luke Madden kicked two goals each, while Dylan Hinchliffe and Jaxon Thomas also hit the scoreboard.
Madden was among Lexton’s best, alongside Thomas Cullinan, Aiden Broughton, Luke Guelen and Tristan Mason.
Borchers praised the efforts of his better performers, particularly their defensive work rate.
“Luke has worked hard on his fitness after playing reserves in Ballarat and had a strong game,” he said.
“Thomas competed well, but we didn’t quite get the midfield mix right at times. The boys either relied on him too heavily or didn’t support him enough and that’s something we’ll address.”
Borchers also highlighted Aiden Broughton’s impact.
“He rated his game lower than he should have,” he said.
“He was involved early, copped a knock to the nose, but led from the front with his effort both offensively and defensively.”
Looking ahead to Maldon, Borchers said stoppage work on the smaller ground will be crucial.
“They’ve recruited well, so it’ll come down to tightening up around stoppages,” he said.
“If we can improve in those areas and fix the lapses from last week, it’ll go a long way toward winning.”
Bulldogs youngsters show promise in loss
Avoca opened its season with an 87-point away loss to Newstead, despite an encouraging start.
The Bulldogs trailed by just five points at quarter-time, but a four-goal-to-none second term from the Roos broke the game open.
Newstead dominated the second half, kicking 10 goals to two to secure a 17.19 (121) to 4.10 (34) victory.
Nathan Coghlan kicked three goals for Avoca, while Alexander Riches added one.
Riches was among the Bulldogs’ best, alongside Keenan McLinden, Scott Cawthan, Coghlan, Jordan Thomas and Tyson Gray.
Coach Matt Newton said there were positives to take, particularly from the club’s younger players.
“It was pleasing to see some of our under-18s step up in Darcy Coghlan, Mitch Wardlaw and Matthew Wardlaw, who all showed promise and improvement,” he said.
“Although we didn’t score heavily, we were able to get into the positions we wanted. We just didn’t capitalise on our chances.”
Newton also praised newcomer Keenan McLinden and co-captain Alexander Riches.
“Keenan was strong across half-back and showed great composure and skill with ball in hand,” he said.
“He didn’t play any practice matches due to cricket, so it was great to see what he could do straight away.
“Alex does a power of work around stoppages and was again very solid.”
The Bulldogs now turn their attention to Maryborough for their first home game of the season.
“We need to improve around stoppages and tidy up our defensive structures,” Newton said.
“The group also needs to commit to playing our style for longer. The game was closer than the scoreboard suggests, and we’re looking forward to playing in front of our home crowd.”
Grasshoppers claim strong win
Navarre held off a fast-finishing Natte Bealiba to record an 11-point win at Natte Yallock Recreation Reserve.
In challenging, windy conditions, Navarre led by seven points at quarter-time after kicking two opening-term goals.
The Grasshoppers extended their advantage in the second quarter with the first three goals to open up a five-goal lead, before the Swans responded late to cut the margin to nine points at half-time.
Natte Bealiba controlled the third term, reducing the deficit to just four points at the final break.
However, Navarre steadied in the last quarter, restricting the Swans to one goal while kicking two of their own to secure a 9.12 (66) to 8.7 (55) victory.
Riley Bibby led the way with three goals for Navarre, while Angus Bade, Harry Schroder, Sam Walker, Jack Mentha and Darcy Claughton were among the best.
For the Swans, Levi King and Emmet Smith each kicked two goals, with Daniel Vadala, Anderson Pithie, Nathan Holt, Stephen Ross and William Jardine among their top performers.
Navarre will look to build on the win when it hosts Newstead tomorrow, while Natte Bealiba travels to face Carisbrook.
Hawks fall to Lions at home
Talbot has opened its season with a 35-point loss to Harcourt, with both sides expected to feature strongly later in the year.
The Lions took early control and maintained it throughout, running out 12.11 (83) to 7.6 (48) winners.
Charles Aitken, Dean Limbach and Jarrod Stephens each kicked two goals for the Hawks.
Aitken was among the best, alongside Darcy Osborne, Victor Micallef, Luke Kemp, Alex Marshall and Dylan Tarczon.
Talbot will aim to bounce back against Campbells Creek tomorrow, while Harcourt hosts Dunolly.
In the other match of the weekend, Carisbrook defeated Trentham 13.5.83 to 6.5.41.
Read More: Natte Yalock, Avoca, Lexton, Navarre