Sport
14 July, 2026
Stellar third term allows Giants to outlast Eagles
The Maryborough Giants continued their push towards finals with a hard-earned 31-point victory over Dunolly at Hedges Oval on Saturday.
While the final margin suggested a comfortable afternoon for the Giants, the Eagles proved to be a determined opponent for much of the contest before the hosts produced a match-winning third quarter.
The Giants made the better start, kicking four first-quarter goals to establish a seven-point advantage at the opening change.
Dunolly refused to let the home side settle, matching the Giants around the contest and remaining within striking distance through accurate finishing.
The second quarter developed into a tight, hard-fought affair. The hosts found scoring difficult and managed just one goal for the term, but a disciplined defensive effort ensured they maintained a slender three-point lead at half time.
Despite the narrow margin, the Giants had created more scoring opportunities, with inaccurate kicking preventing them from establishing a more comfortable buffer.
The game turned decisively after the main break as the Giants produced their best football of the afternoon.
They dominated field position and controlled the clearances, kicking five goals while restricting Dunolly to just one major. Their relentless pressure and ability to convert repeated forward entries saw the margin blow out to 32 points by the final change.
To Dunolly’s credit, the Eagles continued to fight in the final quarter and won the term by kicking two goals to one, trimming the final margin to 31 points.
However, the damage had already been done during the Giants’ dominant third quarter.
Zayne Earl was outstanding for Maryborough and was deservedly named best afield after an influential four-quarter performance.
Jack Broad controlled the back half superbly, while Rhys Wagstaff, Cody Wright, Jayden Humphrey and Kaylab Eggers all made valuable contributions in another encoura-ging team display.
Although the Giants finished with an inaccurate 11.15, they generated plenty of opportunities through the work of their midfield and half-forwards. Their defence also stood firm, conceding just eight goals for the afternoon.
Jay McDonald again led the way for Dunolly and received excellent support from Joel Fisher, Lachlan Watson, Silas Sayson, Bailey Morton and Ryan Burt, who all continued to compete despite the defeat.