Sport
7 August, 2026
MCDFNL Round 17 Football Preview — Maldon vs Trentham
Maldon can complete another outstanding mid-season turnaround with a finals clinching upset against reigning premiers Trentham.
After winning four of their last six matches to sneak into the 2025 finals, this year’s sequel is on course to exceed the original for the Bombers thanks to victories over Campbells Creek, Dunolly, Lexton and Avoca.
A key element to Maldon’s sudden resurgence has been their outstanding ball movement, overwhelming opponents with smart disposals and speed in possession.
Damian Wust, Will Golds and Darcy Kelly have been the main conductors of the Bombers’ attacking improvements, a deadly trio who can pick out the likes of Harrison Tulloch, Coby Bennett and Ashley Woodman inside 50 or provide the finish themselves.
Due to their round 18 bye, a defeat on Saturday would still leave Maldon in a favourable position to finish inside the top eight after Trentham delivered them a massive favour last weekend by defeating their closest adversaries Natte Bealiba.
While Joel Cowan, Jacob Greenwood and Joel Dovaston led the Saints to a healthy 40-point half time lead despite some uncharacteristic inaccuracy inside 50, the defensive prowess of Samuel Bartels, Taylor Ford and Dylan Holden routinely halted several promising Natte attacks.
While they kicked a wasteful 11.24 against the Swans, the Bombers know how destructive Trentham’s potent attack can be after the reigning premiers booted a staggering 32 goals against Maldon’s backline in a 188-point round six demolition.