Sport
9 May, 2025
Pumas strike early to remain undefeated
A dominant six goal to zero opening term set up Maryborough’s narrow victory in its AFL Country Victoria Masters clash against Goulburn Valley on Sunday.
The Pumas jumped the Giants with an early barrage before holding off the fast-finishing Giants by 10 points, 14.6 (90) to 11.14 (80) at Princes Park.
It continued Maryborough’s unbeaten start to the season after three matches.
Maryborough coach Terry Hillier said the Pumas’ first quarter was as good as his team had played this season.
“It was just great straight out of the blocks,” he said.
“You could talk about a lot of things — unselfish play, sharing the ball around, the ball movement into the forward line, even accurate kicking for goal which is not usually our strength.
“Goulburn Valley responded after quarter time and we had a few injuries in the second half that slowed us down but, overall, it was a really good game for us.”
The Giants scored the last five goals of the match and almost pinched an unlikely victory. Scott Mutimer kicked a goal after the final siren to reduce the margin to within two kicks.
Chris Cudia dominated for the home team, kicking seven goals and dishing off several to teammates in a powerful display across half forward.
Scott Hurley, Euan Tait, Brad Fraser, Steve Shovan, Jibb Iglesias, David Tull and Gavin McGrath (drop kick super goal) were also among the Pumas’ goal kickers.
Fraser was awarded Maryborough’s best player by Goulburn Valley, with Cudia, Nick Weaver, Lauchlan Williams, Iglesias and Scott Newitt.
Maryborough’s 10th season in AFL Masters Country Victoria competition this year resumes on May 18 with an away match against the Moorabool Valley Crocks.