Sport
4 August, 2026
Eight goals from Tim Rinaldi carries Carisbrook to one-point win over Newstead
Throughout his historic 2026 campaign, Carisbrook’s Tim Rinaldi has constantly produced moments of magic. However, they pale in comparison to what he conjured on Saturday.
With his Redbacks engaged in a gripping nail-biter against emerging contenders Newstead, Rinaldi produced arguably the greatest individual performance of the season, kicking eight of Carisbrook’s nine goals to will his team to a memorable one-point victory.
After helping the Redbacks strengthen their grip on the top spot, Rinaldi now needs two goals in Carisbrook’s final home and away match against the Maryborough Giants this weekend to become the first player since Anthony Zelencich to score 100 goals in an MCDFNL season.
As they headed into Saturday’s blockbuster with the sinking feeling of their eight-point defeat to Navarre still lingering, Newstead immediately went toe-to-toe with one of the competition’s perennial contenders.
While reigning Berry Powell medalist Jackson Bowen was dominating in the ruck, Newstead’s William Moran, Liam O’Brien and Joel Smith matched Carisbrook’s production around the clearance.
Both teams registered four scoring shots in a high-quality opening term, but with Rinaldi immediately finding his range inside 50, it was the Redbacks who possessed a 10-point lead at quarter time.
With Nicholas Woodman and Michael Dalrymple orchestrating excellent ball movement for key forward Sam Winnard and Ethan Maltby to latch onto, the Steaders threatened to enter half time with the lead.
Despite three second-quarter goals from the visitors, some excellent defensive work from Bowen, Mitchell Treacy and Elliot Brandon-Jones alongside several outstanding contested marks from Rinaldi ensured the Redbacks remained five points ahead at the main break.
Tension continued to build around Carisbrook Recreation Reserve during the second half as both teams battled to gain a definitive edge.
Reminiscent of their stunning round nine upset away to Harcourt, the Steaders surged into the lead during the third quarter, led by some sensational efforts from Lincoln White, Moran and Hayden Hall.
Possessing a three-point lead heading into the final quarter, Newstead had several opportunities to ice the game late.
However, whether it was the pressure of the moment getting the better of them or fortune failing them at the worst possible time, the Steaders only managed one goal from their five scoring shots in the fourth quarter.
The Redbacks ensured Newstead’s inaccuracy proved incredibly costly, booting two goals at the death to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Bowen, Harry Whitty, Brandon-Jones, Treacy and Cooper Driscoll were named in Carisbrook’s best players alongside Rinaldi, while Newstead listed White, Moran, Woodman, Hall, O’Brien and Dalrymple as their standout performers.