Sport
8 August, 2025
Maryborough Pumas outgunned by Gisborne
Maryborough proved out-matched and outgunned by Gisborne in their AFL Masters Victoria Country football clash on Sunday.
The Pumas were held to a solitary behind against their younger, faster opponents, the Bulldogs scoring 16.10.(106) to 0.1.(1) at Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct.
Maryborough had been hit by multiple late withdrawals due to injury and other football commitments, and the Pumas were reinforced by several Gisborne players who volunteered to help the visitors.
Pumas coach Terry Hillier praised his team’s performance against a superior opponent, insisting the score was no reflection on his side’s effort and commitment to the contest.
“Every player who wore the red jumper out there should be proud of their efforts,” Hillier said.
“It was a game that was effectively between an over-35 side and an over-45s side. Gisborne clearly had a lot of players who are still playing senior club footy, and that was the difference.
“After (Gisborne) kicked six goals in the first quarter, you could have forgiven our blokes for giving up. The opposite happened. They kept on putting in harder.”
Jibb Iglesias was named best on ground by both clubs in a tireless performance across four quarters.
He was ably supported at the centre bounces by Matt Powell, who rucked for most of the match against a revolving cast of fresh opponents.
Other solid performers for the visitors included Jack Mills and Glenn Blackman-Cole, playing in an unfamiliar defensive role, while David Tull and Chris Cudia were also named among Maryborough’s best.
The Pumas’ final match for the 2025 season is against Echuca on Saturday, August 16.
Training for AFL Masters football is 6 pm on Wednesday evenings at Princes Park.