Sport
14 April, 2026
Avoca dominates in season-opener versus Newstead
Avoca commenced its four- peat quest in typically domi- nating fashion, defeating a new-look Newstead by 43 goals.
Even without the services of 2025 MDCA Team of the Year defender Keisha Tonzing, the Bulldogs chained the Steaders’ attack, allowing seven goals or fewer in every quarter while player-coach
MaddyEganandGinaSteelshowed ruthless accuracy at the other end.
Heading into their season-opener, Newstead was hoping to replicate their competitive showing against the reigning premiers last season.
However, Egan and Steel allowed Avoca to quickly assert control by converting several early centre breaks.
Former Carisbrook and Mary- borough Magpies standout Ella Patten fitted seamlessly alongside the established Caitlin Drummond in
defence,helpingtheBulldogsbuilda double-digit lead by quarter time.
Following sporadic appearances in the goal circle during 2025, Emily Cooper began to showcase her excellent shooting touch in the second quarter.
However, Patten, Drummond and Jaimee Mathieson continued to limit Cooper and Brianna Jury’s chances to hit the scoreboard with timely interceptions.
Junior standout Paige Walkley continued to excel in the heart of
Avoca’s midcourt, helping the Bulldogs take a healthy 16-goal advantage into the second half.
Even after playing in the 18 and under’s and B grade, emerging youngster Indiana Ramsey built upon her second quarter cameo and held her own defending the talented Steel.
Egan kept the Bulldogs’ offence clicking throughout the third quarter, virtually automatic in the goal circle to give her team a 46-20 lead at three-quarter time.
Determined to finish the job, the
Bulldogs dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring the Steaders 21- 4 to put the icing on a sweet season- opening cake for Avoca.
Egan scored a game-high 52 goals with an astounding 92.8 percent shooting percentage, while Steel contributed a further 15 goals.
Despite their limited oppor- tunities, Cooper and Jury showed promise as the spearheads of the Steaders offence. Cooper led with 15 goals and Jury added nine from just 13 attempts.