Sport
17 July, 2026
MCDFNL Round 14 Football Preview — Carisbrook vs Trentham
Two well-acquainted contenders will meet again in the sequel to round one’s 2025 Grand Final rematch as Carisbrook faces off against Trentham.
The Redbacks and Saints have played each other an astounding 10 times over the past five seasons, including three finals matches.
While Carisbrook hold the favourable head-to-head record with five wins, four defeats and a draw, Trentham claimed the biggest victory in the hotly-contested rivalry last season, breaking their 31-year premiership drought with a memorable 11-point victory.
After two third-quarter goals from captain and eventual best on ground winner Joel Dovaston gave the Saints a valuable three-goal lead heading into the final term, veteran Mark Strickland delivered the dagger with a lethal set shot that brought the cup back to Trentham.
The Redbacks were forced to wait seven months for their chance to enact some revenge, but they pounced with authority, booting five unanswered goals in the first quarter of their round one rematch with the Saints to create a 25-point lead they never relinquished.
Carisbrook’s goal-kicking machine Tim Rinaldi started his historic 2026 with five goals while defenders Elliot Brandon-Jones and James Allan were also standouts alongside the versatile Brady Neill.
With mid-season acquisitions Jacob Greenwood and Matthew Milburn impressing during Trentham’s recent victory over Navarre, the Saints will hope their recently added firepower will give them an edge against the Redbacks, who are optimistic about key forward Harry Butler making his return from a hamstring injury.