Sport
24 April, 2026
2026 MCDFNL Football Round 3 Preview — Dunolly v Campbells Creek
With both teams attempting to rebound following a triple-digit round two defeat, Campbells Creek’s trip to Dunolly is poised to be an intriguing affair.
Similar to their Good Friday defeat to Maldon, the Eagles fell away in patches against Harcourt, restricted to 13 points after quarter time, while the Lions’ high-powered offence overran them with a staggering 20 goals.
The likes of Ryan Burt, Jay McDonald, Joel Fisher and Mitchell Goodwin have been standouts early in the season, but player-coach Lloyd Needs would like to see his depth flourish on Sunday as the Eagles attempt to avoid a 0-3 start.
While a 146-point drubbing to Talbot isn’t an ideal way to start their season, Campbells Creek will have plenty to take away from their round two defeat.
Unlike their 2025 meeting with the Hawks, the Magpies threatened to hit the scoreboard on occasions in all four quarters, hampered by inaccuracy during the second and third terms.
While returning 2025 standouts James Martinovic, Lachlan Hyland and Dylan Stevens played well in the season opener, a few new faces took some of the pressure off the Magpies’ established core.
Former Maryborough Magpies junior Judd Stevens has flown to a different Magpies nest and played well in his debut for the Creekers alongside round two goalscorers Daniel Watson and Jesse Presser.
Campbells Creek gave Dunolly an almighty fright when the two teams last met in round nine of the 2025 season, trailing by just 13 points before the Eagles booted eight unanswered goals in the second half.