Sport
8 April, 2025
Low-scoring contest sees Newstead triumph
The Kangaroos have got their tail up to start the 2025 season, outlasting Navarre in a tight low-scoring affair by 22 points.
NEWSTEAD 6.10 (46) def NAVARRE 3.6 (24)
Points were hard to come by at Newstead Recreation Reserve, with both teams showcasing strong defensive structure throughout the contest.
The highest-scoring quarter was in the opening term, with both teams scoring two goals. The Grasshoppers finished the quarter with a minimal two-point advantage.
The Kangaroos opened up the Grasshopper's defence to create six scoring shots in the second quarter, but Navarre’s pressure meant Newstead only scored one goal.
That goal gave the hosts an eight-point lead heading into the second half.
Just like the second quarter, the Kangaroos conceded just one point in the third term while grabbing two goals at the other end to extend their advantage to 21 points.
Even with Navarre kicking their first goal since their first quarter, Newstead controlled the last scoring, kicking a goal of their own to seal the victory.
The Newstead defence was suffocating throughout, allowing only nine points in three quarters of football.
After both suffering season-ending injuries last season, Joel Smith and Kerang import Michael Dalrymple made up for lost time, named in Newstead’s best players with Bailey McMurtrie, Geordie McMurtrie, Bradley Richardson and Nicholas Lord.
New recruit Zak Varley made a good first impression on his new club, listed as the best player for Navarre alongside Riley Bibby, John Jok, Jayden Fowkes, Shannon Treloar and Luke Hendy.