Sport
1 May, 2026
2026 MCDFNL Football Round 4 Preview — Carisbrook vs Maryborough Giants
Carisbrook will attempt to continue its dream start to 2026 against a team that’s also shown some early promise in the Maryborough Giants.
Over the past two years, there seem to be three formalities in the land of the Redbacks — death, taxes, and Tim Rinaldi kicking goals.
After bursting onto the scene with 60 goals last season, the Carisbrook product has been even more dominant this campaign with a staggering 19 majors in three matches.
With Rinaldi currently on pace to surpass the illustrious 100-goal mark during the home and away season, the prowess of fellow homegrown talent Harry Butler and the ever-dangerous Harry Whitty give the Redbacks a dangerous goal-kicking trio.
However, no matter how much talent a forward line possesses, it can’t make an impact without adequate service from its midfield.
Much to the delight of Rinaldi, Butler and Whitty, Thomas Gardam and Patrick Taranto were brilliant in the Redbacks 61-point victory over Talbot, jumping on hit outs from Jackson Bowen and giving their forward line plenty of centre clearances to pounce on.
Containing the Redbacks’ attack will be pivotal for the Giants, who allowed 117 points in a convincing defeat to Navarre last round.
Maryborough did sprinkle elements of their youthful speed and ball movement that carried them to impressive wins against Lexton and Avoca, but consistency for this emerging side remains an issue.
Scott Miller, Brandon Carter and Mitch Stork will strive to get first use of the footy, while Matthew Johnston and Atticus Cullinan will look to provide some scoreboard pressure.