Sport
8 July, 2025
Maldon take one-point thriller over Newstead
Maldon has resuscitated their chances at a finals berth, holding off Newstead by just one point in a match which will go down as one of the games of the season.
The result not only puts the Bombers just two points behind the Steaders who currently occupy eighth, but it also means the three teams below Newstead on the MCDFNL ladder are now only four points or less behind the Steaders.
The contest was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to take full control throughout the match.
That was indicative in the first quarter, with both teams kicking two goals in the opening term. It was Newstead who had the slight advantage heading into the first break after kicking an extra two behinds.
After a compact first quarter at Newstead Recreation Reserve, both teams started to create some space in the second quarter, space their playmakers took full advantage of.
Joel Smith and Damian Wust were having an incredible battle in the midfield, often losing their marker in the contest and delivering some beautiful kicks into the forward when they got the ball.
Their expertise led to a high-scoring second term, with the Bombers and Steaders booting four goals for the quarter despite the hosts having four more scoring shots.
With a six-point lead at half time, Newstead was arguably the better team to start the second quarter, however, a familiar foil started to rear its ugly head.
After kicking 19 points in back-to-back games against Lexton and Campbells Creek in rounds 9 and 10, Newstead was once again plagued by inaccuracy issues, kicking 2.4 in the third quarter.
That allowed the Bombers to keep nipping at their heels, reducing the margin back down to two points at three-quarter time.
A finals feel started to generate in the fourth quarter, with both teams desperate to earn a big win in their season.
Accuracy in front of goal was the deciding factor in the last term, and Maldon held their nerve best, kicking 2.3 to Newstead’s 1.6 to earn their most important win of the season.
Wust reminded everyone why he’s the reigning Berry Powell Medallist on Saturday, named in Maldon’s best player. He was joined by Noah Thompson, Ashley Woodman, Darcy Kelly, Xavior Noy and Tristian Rowe.
Captain Woodman led the way in the forward line by booting a game-high three goals, while Bailey Brown, Bryce Coffey and Natnael McLaren all kicked two goals for Maldon.
Smith was magnificent in Newstead’s defeat, kicking two goals and named among his side’s best players alongside Harrison McGuire, Kyan Martin, Hayden Hall, Jedd Pedretti and Ethan Hein.