Sport
4 August, 2026
Fisher reels in 123-point victory for Dunolly
Dunolly produced a major bright spot to their challenging 2026 campaign with an efficient 123-point victory over Campbells Creek.
Joel Fisher kicked nine goals in a headline performance to his outstanding season while fellow star Eagle Jay McDonald enjoyed being free from the shackles of his constant defensive duties, booting four goals alongside Darcy Conder.
An 11-goal Dunolly bombardment in the fourth quarter noticeably embellished the final scoreline, as Campbells Creek showcased improved competitiveness after losing their last two matches by over 200 points.
Starting the contest up forward, Fisher ensured Dunolly enjoyed a perfect start, assisting opening goals from Mitchell Goodwin and Conder after taking strong leading marks.
With the help of Daniel Klimeck, James Haber and a string of sudden miscues by the Eagles, Campbells Creek stemmed the tide before a sharp Dunolly counterattack ended with a pinpoint pass from Lloyd Needs to Fisher, who turned his third mark into his first goal.
Needs ended an outstanding first quarter for the Eagles by finishing another blistering end-to-end move for their sixth goal of the term.
A sharp centre clearance from Isaac Fletcher allowed James Cole to boot the Magpies’ first goal right before the quarter time siren, cutting the deficit to 29 points.
Cole’s opener reignited Campbells Creek’s fire after the interval, congesting the stoppage more effectively and generating several inside 50s that resulted in three well-taken goals.
However, the margin still expanded to 53 points by half time as Dunolly’s forward line were kicking as if there were a 30-metre width between the goal posts, booting 7.1 in the second quarter.
Led by Tyson Williams, Harley Melrose and Mitchell Stevens, the Magpies contained Dunolly’s red-hot forwards for most of the third quarter while Haber, Joel Wootton and Blake Taylor powered the hosts forward.
After having more scoring shots than the Eagles in the third quarter, Campbells Creek were optimistic of limiting their 62-point three-quarter time deficit in the final term.
Dunolly quickly shredded that aspiration as their outstanding transition from defence proved devastating in the fourth quarter.
Often kickstarted by McDonald and Bailey Morton, the Eagles made full use of the expansive wings at Campbells Creek Recreation Reserve and created space for Fisher, Conder and Lloyd Needs to attack inside 50.
Fisher was an easy selection for Dunolly’s best players after booting his highest goal tally since scoring 10 against Royal Park in 2022, joined by Morton, Conder, Mathew Bradley, Lachlan Watson and McDonald.
Needs ended with three goals while emerging youngsters Silas Sayson and Harrison Prigg finished with two goals each alongside Goodwin.
James Martinovic constantly battled in the ruck for Campbells Creek, named among their best players alongside Haber, Klimeck, Melrose, Taylor and Wootton, who finished with a team-high two goals.