Sport
17 April, 2026
2026 MCDFNL Football Round 2 Preview — Harcourt vs Dunolly
In their first home game since the Ravenswood-Harcourt bushfires, Harcourt looks to improve upon their perfect start to 2026 against a well-rested Dunolly.
The Lions enter this weekend’s emotional homecoming after a magnificent performance against title rivals Talbot.
While superstars Jack Threlfall, Braydon Vaz and Mark Noonan all showcased their game-changing abilities at Talbot Recreation Reserve, Harcourt’s rising stars like Mitchell McKnight and Nathan Anderson provided a needed boost inside the forward 50.
Holding a healthy 24-point advantage following a seven-goal third quarter, the Lions masterfully managed the final term, trapping the ball in their forward half with the assistance of several brave contested marks from Billy Quirk.
The Eagles’ defence similarly played well for the majority of their season opener against Maldon on Good Friday, keeping the Bombers to 39 points in the first half.
However, a combination of missed opportunities in front of goal and a surge of Maldon momentum led to Dunolly being overrun in the second half, eventually losing by 31 points.
After a few seasons away from football, Bailey Morton immediately slotted in as a major cog in the Eagles’ backline alongside Jay McDonald.
Robert Miller and Joel Fisher were brilliant in the midfield, helping Cody Schepers and Mitchell Goodwin kick a combined seven goals in Dunolly’s round one defeat.
The Lions and Eagles came out firing in their 2025 encounter, booting five goals each in the first quarter. Harcourt locked down Dunolly to two majors for the remaining three quarters on their way to a hard-fought 28-point win.