Sport
7 July, 2026
Talbot rains past Giants in wet-weather battle
Talbot strengthened its premiership credentials with a proficient 39-point victory over the improving Maryborough Giants at a slippery and muddy Hedges Oval on Saturday.
The opening term was a tight affair, with neither side able to gain the upper hand. The Giants and Hawks each managed one goal and one behind to head into quarter time locked together at 1.1.(7) apiece.
The visitors began to assert themselves during the second quarter.
Karson Guareschi gave the Giants an early lift after a 50-metre penalty allowed him to goal from the goal square, but Talbot responded through Joshua Szabo from a free kick before Zac Cicchini produced a brilliant snap from the boundary.
The Hawks edged ahead to lead 3.5.(23) to 2.3.(15) at the main break.
Talbot continued to build its advantage after half time. Jarrod Stephens kicked truly on the run inside the opening minute before Victor Micallef marked strongly on the lead from a Jude McGuire pass.
Adam Scott then finished off excellent work from Cicchini after receiving a handball in the goal square.
Matthew Walker briefly stemmed the tide with a free-kick goal for the Giants, but Talbot still extended its lead to 20 points at the final change.
The Giants reduced the margin early in the fourth quarter to give their comeback bid a major boost.
However, the Hawks quickly responded when McGuire played on from a free kick and found Cicchini, whose quick ball movement set up Andrew Baker for a goal from the goal square.
Captain Micallef then finished the contest in style by kicking the final two goals of the afternoon.
Micallef was outstanding for Talbot with three goals and was well supported by McGuire, Dylan Tarczon, Alex Marshall, Matthew York and Scott.
The Hawks’ midfield once again controlled the contest and provided their forwards with quality oppor-tunities throughout the day.
The Giants fought hard but found scoring difficult against Talbot’s disciplined defence, managing just four goals for the afternoon.
Riley Govan was named best afield for the home side, with Scott Miller, Jay Garley, Lachlan Bates, Sam Spink and Austen Murphy also producing solid performances.
The performance of Garley was particularly exciting for the hosts, as the under 18 standout dazzled on his senior debut.