Sport
16 June, 2026
Talbot knocks off defending champions Trentham with vital 31-point victory
Following a string of unfortunate results against fellow contenders this season, Talbot earned the statement victory they’ve been striving for, vanquishing the reigning premiers with a crucial 31-point victory.
Saturday’s triumph was the culmination of the internal improvements the Hawks have been looking to implement since their convincing round three defeat to Carisbrook.
While the likes of Dean Galea, Jarrod Stephens, Dylan Tarczon and Jude McGuire remained as dangerous as ever up forward, Talbot’s back six did a tremendous job containing Trentham’s star-studded attack to four goals after quarter time.
The Hawks now move level on points with the Saints, who are holding perilously onto the last top four spot after their unsatisfying loss.
Despite rain consistently pelting onto the turf at Talbot Recreation Reserve, the highly anticipated contest looked to be a high-scoring shootout after the first quarter.
After being rested during Trentham’s 157-point victory over Campbells Creek, 2025 MCDFNL leading goal-kicker James Regan wasted no time marking his return, latching onto early clearances from Joel Dovaston and Joel Cowan.
Despite the excellence of Trentham’s super Joel’s, Tarczon and Tommy Alkemade ensured Talbot remained in touching distance of their prey, trailing by three points after a highly entertaining first quarter.
Following the opening interval, the Hawks pounced on the Saints, kicking 4.4 to Trentham’s one behind.
While Talbot’s much-improved back six began to win the majority of their matchups, several players stepped up with key kicks to suddenly give the hosts a cherished four-goal lead at the main break.
In a complete contrast to the opening quarter, the contest turned into a defensive duel after half time, similar to a do-or-die finals encounter.
With conditions only worsening due to the constant rainfall, Trentham was struggling to create chances to claw back the deficit as Talbot continued to put men behind the ball.
It resulted in the Hawks extending the gap to 28 points at three-quarter time, determined to see their defensive structure hold firm for another quarter.
Despite their best efforts, the Saints were unable to crack Talbot’s defensive structure down the stretch, giving the Hawks a confidence-boosting win.
Tarczon, Jayson Atkins, Aaron Collicoat, Adam Scott, McGuire and Charles Aitken were listed as Talbot’s best players, while newcomer Galea led the team with three vital goals.
Trentham named Dovaston, Cowan, Zachary Gervasoni, Harrison Knight, Ryder Henchie and Taylor Ford as their better performers as they look to rebound next week against Dunolly. Regan also produced an impactful performance, finishing with four goals.