Sport
22 July, 2025
Dovaston’s 300th game ends on a high
Trentham had to wait over 10 months to enact their revenge on the team who vanquished their premiership hopes in 2024, however, they did it in style.
The Saints sunk Natte Bealiba to their biggest defeat since round two of the COVID-stricken 2021 season with a statement-setting 84-point victory.
While the win is a small consolation compared to last season’s grand final loss, Trentham can take solace in maintaining their two-point lead at the pinnacle of the MCDFNL ladder, with Natte now finding themselves outside the top four.
After making his shocking debut for the club against Navarre three weeks ago, North Melbourne legend Brent Harvey returned for the Saints in this top-of-the-table clash, a nice present for Trentham captain Joel Dovaston, set to play his 300th game for the club.
With many games this season pitting two premiership contenders resulting in low-scoring thrillers, both teams were determined to assert their authority on the match by putting points on the scoreboard.
It was goals aplenty right from the opening bounce, with Trentham’s Cooper Webber-Mirkin kicking the first goal inside a minute to give the visitors an early advantage.
The Swans recovered quickly to take the lead midway through the term after back-to-back goals from Will Holt and Emmet Smith, but the Saints answered back with majors from Jake Keogh, Thomas Fuller and James Regan to build a 15-point lead at quarter time.
Trentham would lengthen the margin out to 27 points following two quick goals to start the second term.
Despite the Swans booting the next major to cut the deficit to 20, Trentham regained control quickly thanks to the impact of Fuller and Dovaston in the midfield, entering half time with a 28-point cushion.
Determined to snuff out any chance of a comeback in the second half, the Taylor Ford led Trentham defence was smothering in the third quarter, allowing just one point while the likes of Regan, Harvey and Keogh ran rampant at the other end.
Eight goals in the third quarter from the visitors stunned the home supporters at CHS Broadbent Oval, with the Swans in a unique predicament down 80 points at the final break.
After their third-quarter barrage, Trentham was allowed to coast their way to victory, flipping the script on their disheartening opening round loss to Natte to affirm their already concrete premiership credentials.
Regan showcased why he’s arguably the league’s most dangerous forward, kicking six goals in a spectacular performance which extended his MCDFNL leading goal tally to 67.
After being held goalless in the first quarter thanks to the pesky defence of Toby Beavis, Harvey exploded in the last three quarters with five goals, playing a massive role in Trentham’s second-half run alongside Keogh, who added three majors.
Saints legend Dovaston produced a wonderful performance in his 300th game, rightfully named in his team’s best players alongside Fuller, Ford, Zachary Gervasoni, Harvey and Webber-Mirkin.
For his prowess under the difficult assignment of slowing Harvey, Beavis was listed in Natte’s best players, joined by Will Holt, Ethan Ross, Tate Williams, Daniel Vadala and Nathan Holt.
Will Holt was the Swans’ only goalkicker with multiple goals, ending up with three to bring his season tally to 29.
