Sport
31 July, 2026
MCDFNL Round 16 Football Preview — Campbells Creek vs Dunolly
Campbells Creek will have the chance to measure its progress against one of the competition’s more consistent sides when it welcomes Dunolly on Saturday.
While the Magpies have endured a difficult season, winning only one game against Avoca back in round five, there have been encouraging signs in recent weeks.
Creek’s determination to show up each week has never wavered and should be commended, with the side no doubt looking for another four-quarter effort against an Eagles side with plenty still riding on the outcome.
While the Magpies sit second to bottom on the ladder, the 2026 season has been significantly more successful for the side than previous years — holding their own in competitive footy matches against mid-tier sides like the Maryborough Giants, Natte Bealiba and even Lexton.
However when facing ladder leaders, it’s clear that Campbells Creek still need some time to refine their craft and build their side — going down by 260 points to Talbot last weekend.
Dunolly arrives knowing there is little room for error as the season approaches its business end. While the Eagles may not have experienced the peaks and troughs Creek’s scoreline has seen, they sit at the bottom of the ladder entering round 16, four points behind Creek.
While Saturday’s result won’t see either side make a finals appearance this season, it’s shaping up to be a strong performance across the ground as both teams look to finish the season strong.
Homeground advantage and local pride should ensure Campbells Creek comes out with plenty of energy, while Dunolly knows a professional performance is essential, while the Eagles will be keen to land themselves four points and a tidy win at the back end of the season.
The Magpies will be chasing one of their biggest results of the season, while the Eagles will be determined to continue their finals push. On paper, Dunolly enters as favourite, but if Campbells Creek can bring sustained pressure and make the most of its opportunities, it has every chance to make this an entertaining and competitive contest.
Dunolly will look to the likes of Bailey Morton, Dylan Burt and Jay McDonald as some of its key players, while Campbells Creek will rely on the steadiness of James Martinovic, Dylan Stevens and Joel Wootton, among others.