Sport
30 June, 2026
Late scoring spree lifts Giants to victory
The Maryborough Giants continued their impressive mid-season resurgence with a hard-fought 43-point victory over Campbells Creek in a match that was far more competitive than the final scoreboard suggested.
The Magpies burst out of the blocks, kicking the opening three goals through Jesse Presser, Ben Sutherland and Dylan Stevens to take early control.
However, the Giants responded brilliantly. Murray Bond opened their account before Karson Guareschi, Matthew Walker (twice) and Zayne Earl all found the goals as Maryborough piled on five unanswered majors to lead by 17 points at the first break.
The contest swung dramatically in the second quarter after Maryborough had a player sent from the ground with a yellow card late in the opening term, leaving the Giants to play with 17 men.
Campbells Creek took full advantage, with Presser and Sutherland leading the charge as the Magpies peppered the goals.
Despite Lachlan Bates and Lachie Condie kicking important goals for the Giants, Campbells Creek dominated general play and Dylan Stevens’ goal on the half time siren cut the margin to three points.
With the game in the balance, the Giants produced their best football after the main break.
Riley Govan, Scott Miller, Guareschi, Rhys Egan and Walker all hit the scoreboard as the Giants regained control.
Although Sutherland, James Haber and Daniel Klimeck answered for Campbells Creek, the Giants won the quarter convincingly to establish a 17-point advantage at the final change.
The final quarter belonged entirely to the Giants. Egan ignited the charge with an early goal before adding two more to complete a superb three-goal performance.
Govan kicked his second, Rhys Wagstaff snapped truly on the run and the Giants piled on five final-quarter goals to run away with an impressive 17.13. (115) to 10.12. (72) victory.
Wagstaff, Michael Sjaardema, Cobie Read, Earl, Cody Wright and Egan were outstanding for the Giants, while Egan’s three-goal final term proved decisive.
For Campbells Creek, Haber, James Martinovic, Presser, Tyson Williams, Dylan Stevens and Daniel Klimeck battled hard throughout the afternoon, while Sutherland was a constant threat in attack.
The win continues the Giants’ excellent run of form and further strengthens their push towards finals, while Campbells Creek showed enough spirit to suggest it will remain a competitive opponent during the second half of the season.