Sport
20 May, 2025
Giants stamp out Dunolly to the tune of 54 goals
The Maryborough Giants have bounced back from their loss to Natte Bealiba by defeating the Dunolly Eagles by 54 goals.
The Giants were the big odds-on favourite heading into this fixture, and they proved that status early, storming out to a 24-8 advantage in the first quarter.
Giants rising star Lacey Broad was unstoppable in the opening 15 minutes, scoring all her team’s 24 goals in the first term with only four misses.
Dunolly shooters Lillie Wrigley and Zoe Aldridge made the most of the chances that weren’t snuffed out by Riahni Egan and Julie Anderson, converting six and two shots respectively.
Maryborough continued to control the tempo when play resumed for the second quarter, building their lead to 28 goals at half time.
Ruby Saunder, Christie Chapple and fellow shooter Annalyse Carroll provided sustainable service to the hot hand of Broad, who scored 19 for the quarter. Carroll also added one.
Aldridge and Wrigley tried their best to stem the tide for the hosts, scoring four goals each.
The Eagles slightly tweaked their positional set-up in a bid to improve in the second half, and while it did help offensively, the Giants continued to score at will, leading by 43 goals at three quarter time.
The Eagles’ shooting duo continued to perform, with Aldridge netting five and Wrigley scoring four, but consistent interceptions and quality passes to Broad proved to be key, as Broad made another 21 shots while Carroll added three.
The fourth quarter was the Eagles’ most competitive term of the contest, limiting the Giants to under 20 goals as the visitors sealed the victory.
Despite the loss, the game was a special moment for Dunolly club legend Melanie Schodde, who registered her 200th game for the club in front of her home supporters.
Wrigley and Aldridge performed well in the landmark game for Schodde, finishing with four final-quarter goals each.
Broad was kept relatively quiet in the last 15 minutes, scoring 12 goals to finish with a season high 76 goals for the game, while Carroll impressed late, making seven shots.