Sport
28 July, 2026
Eight points the difference in nail-biter
Navarre squared the ledger with Newstead after its round two defeat, holding off a determined final-quarter comeback to record an entertaining eight-point victory at Newstead Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
In a contest that lived up to expectations, the Grasshoppers made the most of their opportunities in front of goal and were able to withstand a late charge from the home side to claim a valuable win in the race for a top-two finish.
The opening quarter was played at a blistering pace, with both sides moving the ball quickly and attacking at every opportunity. Riley Bibby was a constant target inside 50 for Navarre, booting three goals from four shots on goal, while Aaron Slorach also had an immediate impact, kicking one goal and setting up another with a clever tap to Brady Tillig.
Newstead had its own star in Lachlan O’Brien, who was outstanding for the entire game but particulrly in the opening term. O'Brien kicked two goals himself before unselfishly passing to Sam Winnard for another as the Steaders stayed within touch. Despite O'Brien’s brilliance, Navarre held an 18-point advantage at quarter time.
The Steaders fought back strongly in the second quarter, kicking five goals to three. Hayden Hall put Newstead in front at the 20-minute mark, but the lead lasted only moments as Sam Rickard responded immediately with one of his four goals for the afternoon to restore Navarre’s advantage. The Grasshoppers took a five-point lead into the main break.
Navarre took control after half-time with its best football of the match. Sam Walker and Oliver Notting dominated through the midfield, while Rickard, Bibby and Jack Mentha continued to provide dangerous targets up forward as the visitors kicked four goals to one for the quarter to establish a 25-point lead at the final change.
Newstead refused to surrender, launching a spirited fightback in the final term. O’Brien again led the way, eventually finishing with a remarkable seven-goal haul, while Joel Smith, Isaac Fofana, Lincoln White, Liam O’Brien and William Moran all lifted as the Steaders closed the margin.
However, Navarre held its composure in the closing stages, kicking three important final-quarter goals to secure a hard-earned 16.8 (104) to 15.6 (96) victory.
Sam Walker was outstanding for the Grasshoppers and was well supported by Oliver Notting, Sam Rickard, Riley Bibby, Jack Mentha and Shannon Treloar. Bibby finished with five goals and Rickard four, while Lachlan O'Brien's superb seven-goal performance ensured Newstead remained a genuine threat until the final siren