Sport
26 May, 2026
Third quarter surge sees Talbot topple Navarre
Talbot continued its impressive early-season form with a commanding 69-point victory over Navarre at the Navarre Sports Complex on Saturday.
The Hawks were in control from the outset, booting five goals to one in the opening term as their midfield dominance and clean ball movement exposed the Grasshoppers around the contest.
New recruit Dean Galea produced another outstanding performance up forward, finishing with eight goals in a dominant display inside 50. Galea proved far too strong in the air and dangerous at ground level, regularly converting Talbot’s repeated forward entries into scoreboard pressure.
Jarrod Stephens also started strongly with two first-quarter goals, while Tommy Alkemade and Dylan Tarczon were influential throughout the afternoon.
Navarre managed to stay within touching distance during stages of the second term thanks largely to Aaron Slorach, who kicked three goals and provided a strong target up forward. Riley Bibby also worked hard for the home side, but scoring opportunities became increasingly difficult to generate as Talbot tightened up defensively.
The Hawks took a 25-point lead into half time before putting the game beyond doubt in the third quarter. Galea added another two majors, Zac Cicchini hit the scoreboard and Talbot restricted Navarre to just one goal for the term.
Talbot then rammed home its advantage in the final quarter, kicking five goals to one. Galea added another two goals to cap a brilliant afternoon, while Zachary Douglas, Jase Cicchini and Dylan Tarczon also hit the scoreboard.
Dylan Tarczon was superb across half back and through the midfield, continually driving Talbot forward with his run and ball use. Victor Micallef, Harli Givvens and Tommy Alkemade were also major contributors in another polished performance from the Hawks.
Navarre battled hard throughout the contest, with Oliver Notting, Nick Birthisel, Bradley Slorach, Daniel Reading, Jonathan Baker and John Jok named among their better players.
Talbot’s best players were Dylan Tarczon, Dean Galea, Tommy Alkemade, Harli Givvens, Zac Cicchini and Victor Micallef.