Sport
19 August, 2025
Harcourt power home over goalless Bulldogs
Harcourt defeated the Avoca Bulldogs by a massive 172 points in the final home and away game for season 2025.
It was a promising rehearsal for the Lions as they ready themselves for the first qualifying final against premiership favourites, Trentham, at CHS Broadbent Oval this coming Saturday.
The Lions were unstoppable on Saturday, dominating the midfield and setting up numerous attacking moves, averaging nearly seven goals a quarter for the game.
A nine-goal opening term, while keeping Avoca scoreless, set the stage for the pattern of the game, with the Lions never slowing down as they pulverised the hapless Bulldogs.
The Lions shared their 27 goals amongst 12 different players, which showed their various avenues to score.
It has been another disappointing season for the Bulldogs. After such a promising start in round one with a big victory over the Giants, they have only been able to produce three more wins for the season, matching their 2024 record.
The Bulldogs have only played in finals once since 2013. However, they have shown faith in their coach, Matt Newton, who has been reappointed for the 2026 season.
After such a confidence-boosting victory, Harcourt will fancy their chances against Trentham on Saturday, looking to avenge their surprising qualifying loss to the Saints last season as they hope to restore their place as kings of the MCDFNL.
Cameron Anderson has been in exceptional form for the Lions this season and would be one of the favourites to take out the Berry Powell Medal.
He had another great game on Saturday, as did Jack Threlfall, Braydon Vaz, Thomas Walters, Mark Noonan and Riely Thiesz, who kicked five goals.
Avoca named Lachlan Wardlaw, Andrew Wardlaw, Byron Wynd, Tyson Gray, Mitchell Wardlaw and Jordan Thomas as their best players.