Sport
28 April, 2026
One point enough for Avoca to surpass Maldon
It was a one-point thriller at Avoca Public Park on Sunday, with the Bulldogs recording their first victory over Maldon since 2019.
Coming off a 37-point loss to the Maryborough Giants, the Bulldogs responded strongly to their coach’s challenge. After trailing by 14 points at quarter time, they fought back impressively to take a four-point lead into the main break.
The contest remained tight throughout, but the Bulldogs gained some momentum in the second term when Maldon’s Callum Buchanan was yellow-carded.
Avoca made the most of the opportunity, kicking five goals in what proved to be their best quarter of the game.
Maldon came out firing after half time, regaining control with four goals in the third term to lead by seven points at the final change.
However, the Bulldogs held their nerve in the last quarter. Under sustained pressure in the dying stages, they stood strong in defence as Maldon pushed hard but couldn’t land the decisive blow.
The return of Campbell Blair has straightened up the spine of the Bulldogs, with Blair finishing with four goals in a strong performance up forward.
Bulldogs coach Matt Newton praised Daniel Howell for his shutdown role on Damian Wust, while Nathan Holland was also commended for his support of Scott Cawthan in the ruck.
Other strong contributors for Avoca included Byron Wynd, Matt Wardlaw, Bryce Howell, Brodie Quinlan and Jamie Beavis.
For Maldon, the best players were Matthew Gray, Darcy Kelly, Tom McNeill, Wust, Aaron Millen and Ryan Burchell.
The win will give the Bulldogs enormous confidence moving forward, showing they have the ability to match it with quality opposition and stand up in high-pressure moments.
For Maldon, it’s a tough one to swallow. They did plenty right and were right in the contest all day, but just couldn’t find that final goal when it mattered most
If they can tidy up a few areas — particularly their ability to capitalise on key moments — they remain a dangerous side capable of pushing the better teams in the competition.