Sport
30 June, 2026
Hawks triumph over Steaders by 17 points
In one of the most anticipated clashes of the season, Talbot strengthened its premiership credentials with a hard-fought 17-point victory over Newstead at Talbot Recreation Reserve.
The match lived up to expectations early, with both sides moving the ball well and creating scoring opportunities.
Newstead made the brighter start, kicking four goals to three in the opening term to take a seven-point lead into quarter time.
Michael Dalrymple and Adam Hunter were influential around the contest, while William Moran continued his outstanding season with several important possessions through the midfield.
Talbot responded strongly in the second quarter, gradually wresting control of the contest through its trademark pressure and disciplined ball movement.
The Hawks held Newstead to just two goals for the term while adding three of their own to edge ahead by a solitary point at the main break.
The third quarter developed into a tight arm wrestle as both teams struggled to find space against their opponents’ disciplined defensive structure.
Talbot again gained the ascendancy, kicking three goals to one to extend its lead to nine points at the final change.
Dylan Tarczon was outstanding through the middle, while Tommy Alkemade and Kirk Lang con-tinually drove the Hawks forward.
Newstead continued to fight and created enough opportunities to stay within striking distance, but inaccurate kicking proved costly.
The visitors managed just two points in the final quarter, while Talbot added a game-sealing goal to secure an important 17-point victory.
The Hawks’ ability to win contested football and maintain their defensive pressure underlined why they remain among the com-petition’s premiership contenders.
Their back six continually forced Newstead into difficult shots and limited the influence of the Steaders’ dangerous forwards.
Tarczon produced another best-on-ground performance for Talbot, receiving excellent support from Lang, Joshua Szabo, Alkemade, Charles Aitken and Zac Cicchini.
For Newstead, Dalrymple battled tirelessly all afternoon and was well supported by Hunter, Cordie McKendry, Bradley Richardson, Joel Smith and Moran.
Despite suffering just its third defeat of the season, the Steaders again demonstrated they will be a major force during the second half of the year.