Sport
28 April, 2026
Dunolly conquers Campbells Creek, moves to 3-0
Dunolly’s immaculate start to 2026 continues to roll along after another impressive 36-goal victory against Campbells Creek
After neither team could generate an edge during a tense opening term at Deledio Reserve, the Eagles’ offence exploded for 38 goals in the next two quarters.
Under 18 shooter Stevie Collins stepped up alongside player-coach Lara Clements, who led the charge with 34 goals to help her team to a 63-27 win.
While Dunolly was without shooter Hannah Kenny, Campbells Creek called up Molly Kennedy from C grade to give their team extra defensive insurance after conceding 86 to the high-powered Talbot.
The first quarter was a hotly contested affair, as both teams attempted to settle themselves against two strong defensive starts.
Despite Dunolly’s Ruby Lang doing a tremendous job attempting to block the passing lanes to the Magpies’ offensive focal point, Heni Moeke, Campbells Creek captain Taylah Sartori kept their midcourt flowing for shooters Mia Martin and Claire Jones.
After a quick Eagles flourish in the opening few minutes, McKenna Wynveen’s defence allowed the visitors to slow down Dunolly and return to level footing, as the teams entered quarter time tied 8-8.
The Magpies make some slight alterations to their defence at the break, with Kennedy coming off the bench to play goal keeper while Phoebe Jones shifted to goal defence.
Looking for an offensive spark against a new-look defence, the Eagles brought on Stevie Collins to pair with Clements in the goal circle.
Assisted by the defensive pressure of Lang, Ashlee Lierich and Teagan Hovey, Collins and Clements paired together like peanut butter and jelly, as Dunolly began to accelerate away from Campbells Creek.
Despite Reagan Fulford giving the Magpies an offensive boost, the hosts suddenly boasted a nine-goal advantage at half time.
Their second quarter excellence was only the appetiser for Dunolly’s double C snipers, as in the blink of an eye, Collins and Clements extended the margin well into the double digits.
Pouncing on delightful feeds from Mel Schodde and Charlotte Liddicoat, the pair netted a mammoth 22 goals in the third period to give the Eagles a virtually insurmountable 26-goal lead.
Both teams used the fourth quarter to experiment with their lineups. Chloe Goodwin was trialled as Dunolly’s goal keeper, while Sartori shifted to goal defence for Campbells Creek.
That allowed Moeke to move to centre and Jones to play wing attack while Martin and Fulford were the shooters.
A 17-7 final term was the icing on the cake for the Eagles, who are now one of three teams to start the season 3-0.
Even with her defensive prowess, Clements has been a revelation for Dunolly’s offence, following her round two heroics with a game-high 34 goals. Collins finished with 23 goals after coming off the bench during the second quarter, while Goodwin added six.
Martin was Campbells Creek’s leading scorer with 11 goals, followed by Jones with an efficient nine and Fulford, who scored seven of her eight attempts.