Sport
15 July, 2025
Bombers shell Giants in crucial win
A stunning eight goal final quarter kicked Maldon past the Maryborough Giants, earning back-to-back wins with an entertaining 17-point victory.
Both teams brought the best out of each other on Saturday, as Bill Woodfull Reserve was the venue for an excellent game of football worthy of a match that has serious implications on the MCDFNL ladder.
A win for either team would keep them in striking distance of a finals berth and both teams were keen to grab at that chance with authority.
It resulted in a high-scoring first term, with Maldon entering quarter time with a nine-point lead after outkicking the Giants four goals to three.
The match remained hotly contested heading into the second quarter, but some lights-out goal-kicking from the visitors helped the Giants flip the deficit into an eight-point lead at half time.
Jacob Rollason was a one-man kicking machine for the Giants, leading Maryborough’s comeback alongside Matthew Johnston and Karson Guareschi.
Ashley Woodman, Xavior Noy and Callum Buchanan tried to claw back the deficit for the Bombers in the third quarter, however, the Giants attack remained potent.
Maryborough booted four goals to three in the term to lead by 12 points at three-quarter time.
While Maryborough entered the fourth quarter looking to deal a devastating blow to Maldon’s comeback hopes and finals aspirations, the hosts had other ideas, retaking the lead early in the fourth.
Goals from Bailey Brown and Billy Johns extended the lead out to double digits halfway through the last term.
A long-range goal from Johnston would give the Giants hope, but Natnael McLaren delivered the dagger for the Bombers, with two late goals sealing another tense victory for Maldon.
Woodman continued his spectacular form as of late, being named among the best players alongside Noy, Darcy Kelly, McLaren, Buchanan and Johns.
McLaren’s two late goals brought his match tally to three, with Kelly and Noah Thompson also booting three majors.
Rollason was brilliant in the Giants’ defeat, a nightmare for Maldon’s defence as he finished with eight goals and a best players nod.
He was joined by Johnston, who kicked four goals of his own, Rhys Wagstaff, Scott Miller, Jonathon Short and Peter Wytkamp.
