Sport
26 May, 2026
Giants take 11-goal victory over eager Newstead
The Maryborough Giants earned a significant surge to their finals aspirations with a crucial victory over finals rivals Newstead 50-39.
After nothing could separate the two teams in the first half, the youthful Giants displayed composure beyond their years, increasing their level across the court to eventually pull away in the second half.
Both teams were keen to gain valuable ground on the top eight after their heavy defeats to Natte Bealiba. The Giants were the only team to make changes, with midcourters Alisha Hovey and Kayley Walhouse unavailable.
Despite losing two key pieces to their midcourt depth, the Giants started brilliantly at Newstead Recreation Reserve, keeping the Steaders goalless for the first four minutes.
Rising star Jorgia Brown quickly developed a no-fly zone in Newstead’s goal circle, seemingly breaking up every entry lob pass that entered the area.
Even with the visitors' early control, Newstead’s defence, led by Layla Benson-Zepnick and Amelia Britt, did an excellent job limiting the damage on the scoreboard, keeping the hosts competitive as their ice-cold offence quickly began to thaw out.
A late run allowed Newstead to fully recover from their slow start, drawing level at 10-10 by quarter time.
The Steaders and Giants continued to be evenly matched after play resumed for the second quarter as their varying attacking game plans led to similarly effective results.
With Brown patrolling the skies, Newstead’s midcourters Jessica Currie and Caitlan Bird were patient in the attacking third, waiting for a clear opening for shooters Emily Cooper and Brianna Jury, who were shooting particularly well.
Meanwhile, the Giants made the most of the height of Lacey Broad and Laura McStravick with long-range lob passes into the goal circle that created easy goal-scoring opportunities when they connected.
While both teams registered a noticeable uptick in scoring, neither could generate the desired separation, still tied at 23-23 after the first half.
With everything still to play for at half time, the Steaders and Giants were searching for a catalyst that would jolt them ahead.
Thanks to some excellent passes from Maddison Smith and Jessie Tolson, Maryborough’s high-risk, high-reward attacking game plan was that catalyst, helped by Broad and McStravick’s deft touch under the ring.
With Brown, Riahni Egan and Macey Parry limiting the hosts to eight third-quarter goals, the Giants finally created a definitive edge, up by six goals heading into the final term.
Maryborough’s attack snuffed out any opportunity of a Newstead comeback throughout the fourth quarter, with Broad and McStravick ending with 35 and 14 goals respectively as they helped secure Maryborough’s 11-goal victory.
Jury starred with a season-high 24 goals for the Steaders, well supported by mily Cooper’s 15 goals.
