Sport
24 April, 2026
2026 MCDFNL Football Round 3 Preview — Trentham vs Newstead
A fortnight on from their convincing defeat in the Grand Final rematch, Trentham will look to kickstart their premiership repeat hopes versus a Newstead side staking their claim as a 2026 contender.
The Steaders heading into Trentham Reserve under the bright lights on Anzac Day night will ironically be a rather poetic metaphor for a team that’s been one of the early storylines of the 2026 MCDFNL season.
While some were impressed by their round one victory against Avoca, everyone has taken notice of Newstead after they knocked off Navarre by 21 points.
When the Grasshoppers held an 18-point lead five minutes into the contest, many assumed it would be a long day for the Steaders. However, the second and third quarters were the complete opposite, as Newstead dominated the contest on their way to kicking 11 of the next 13 goals.
Nicholas Woodman was excellent as a composed sweeper on the half-back flank last weekend, while Will Moran and Mitch Van De Duim already look to be excellent pickups in the midfield, forcing teams to divert their attention away from Joel Smith and Michael Dalrymple.
As for the Saints, they find themselves in an identical situation to last year, looking to rebound following a round one loss.
We all know how that turned out for the Saints, but before they set their sights on going back-to-back, they will look to iron out the wrinkles from their round one display.
Hoping to put the Redbacks’ exceptional defence and treacherous conditions behind them, Trentham will be determined to get their high-powered offence firing with the assistance of AFL Hall of Famer Brent Harvey, who makes his return tomorrow night.