Sport
2 June, 2026
Navarre take comfortable victory against Dunolly
Navarre bounced back from last week’s defeat to Talbot in emphatic fashion, producing a four-quarter performance to defeat Dunolly by 61 points at Deledio Reserve.
The Grasshoppers were in control for most of the afternoon, with captain Riley Bibby leading the charge in front of goal with a superb seven-goal haul in one of the best individual performances of the season.
Navarre made its intentions clear early, kicking three first-quarter goals to establish a 12-point lead at the first break.
While Dunolly battled hard through the efforts of Joel Fisher and Jay McDonald, the visitors were able to generate more scoring opportunities and looked the more dangerous side whenever they moved the ball forward.
While Bibby proved a constant threat inside 50 and midfielders Sam Walker, Brady Tillig and Shannon Treloar gained the upper hand around the stoppages, the Eagles efficency in front of goal kept the margin to a respectable 16 points at half time.
The game was effectively put beyond doubt during the third quarter. Navarre controlled possession and field position, kicking three goals to one while creating numerous additional scoring chances.
Although some inaccurate finishing prevented the margin from blowing out further, the Grass-hoppers still took a commanding 29-point lead into the final term.
Any hopes of a Dunolly comeback were quickly extinguished in the last quarter as Navarre slammed on four goals while keeping the Eagles scoreless.
The visitors’ defensive pressure was outstanding, with Dunolly unable to add to its 5.4 tally after three-quarter time.
Bibby’s seven goals were the standout feature of the win, while Walker, Tillig, Treloar, Harry Schroder and Sam Rickard all played significant roles in a strong team performance.
For Dunolly, Fisher was once again dangerous in attack with four goals, while McDonald, Nicholas Ryan, Bailey Morton, Mitchell Goodwin and Lachlan Tranter battled hard throughout the afternoon.