Sport
19 May, 2026
Giants power home to take memorable win
The Maryborough Giants have emphatically snapped their losing rut with a fourth-quarter surge to earn a hard-fought 17-point victory over Natte Bealiba at CHS Broadbent Oval.
The Giants were made to earn their first ever victory against the Swans after trailing early and then being challenged strongly throughout the afternoon.
Natte Bealiba made the brighter start, capitalising on strong rebound football and linking play well through the middle of the ground.
Ryan Semmel opened the scoring with a goal on the run before the Swans added another major shortly after to take control early.
Daniel Vadala was influential in the opening term, repeatedly sweeping the ball out of defence and helping set up attacking chains for the hosts.
Despite the Giants generating several opportunities, they managed only three behinds for the quarter as Natte Bealiba took an 11-point lead into the first break.
The match completely shifted in the second term, as the Giants began to dominate territory and create repeat inside 50 entries. Rhys Egan became a major problem for the Swans’ defence, kicking three goals for the quarter and presenting strongly in the marking contests.
Atticus Cullinan opened the Giants’ account before Egan’s purple patch helped swing momentum firmly Maryborough’s way, opening up a 13-point lead at half time.
The third quarter developed into a tense arm wrestle, with scoring proving difficult for both sides.
The Giants extended their lead with a long goal that was shepherded through, but Natte Bealiba responded strongly through goals to Kyen Burrill-Grinton and Jake Postle.
The Swans missed several oppor-tunities during the quarter but continued to apply pressure, reducing the margin to just five points at the final change.
Natte carried that momentum into the final term and hit the front five minutes in after veteran Stephen Ross converted after the Swans had the first three scoring shots of the quarter.
However, the Giants steadied at the crucial moment. A strong pack mark and goal to Scott Miller regained the lead before Karson Guareschi marked strongly and quickly moved the ball forward to Mitch Stork, who gathered and ran into an open goal.
The Giants sealed the result with another late major to Brandon Carter as they finished strongly to secure an important win.
Cody Wright was outstanding for the Maryborough Giants and was well supported by Carter, Jonathon Short, Miller, Stork and Egan, who proved a constant threat up forward.
For Natte Bealiba, Aidan Medlyn, Vadala, Nathan Holt, Trent Mortlock, Burrill-Grinton and Daniel Groen battled hard throughout the contest.