Sport
5 May, 2026
Newstead rebounds emphatically versus Dunolly
Key forward Sam Winnard starred with nine goals as Newstead bounced back from a blowout loss to Trentham with an equally dominant 110-point victory over Dunolly.
With the assistance of a noticeable scoring gust, the Steaders booted nine unanswered goals in the third quarter to put the game away and secure their first win over the Eagles since round nine of 2023.
Captain Joel Smith and Adam Hunter added three goals each to Winnard’s bag of majors, as the former Daylesford forward continues to be a revelation in Newstead’s forward line.
Dunolly will have plenty to ponder heading into their round five bye, striving for a return to form with key matches against Lexton and Avoca upcoming.
With a clear wind swirling towards the non-clubroom end of Newstead Recreation Reserve, both teams knew whoever could capitalise on the conditions best would hold a clear advantage.
Newstead had first use of the scoring end in the first quarter and put it to good use, kicking six goals to one to create a 31-point lead at quarter time.
Despite Dunolly ruckman Ryan Burt typically getting first tap, Newstead’s midfield had a clear advantage in the clearance battle, allowing Winnard to become an instant problem inside forward 50.
The Eagles knew they had to strike in the second quarter to claw back their early deficit, which they did, having four extra scoring shots than the Steaders during the term.
However, inaccuracy in front of goal plagued their comeback efforts, finishing with 2.5 while Newstead booted 2.1 to maintain a 27-point buffer to end the first half.
The Steaders make Dunolly pay for their kicking indiscretions immediately after the break, producing an awe-inspiring purple patch reminiscent of their round two upset of Navarre.
The likes of Smith, Will Moran and Bradley Richardson might have needed to be tested for leather poisoning after the third quarter, providing a constant barrage of forward entries into Dunolly’s defence.
When the Eagles did venture forward, Nicholas Woodman was there to clean things up and catapult another Steaders attack.
Even with the breeze, Newstead exceeded all expectations with an astonishing 58-1 third term to have the contest wrapped up at three-quarter time.
Despite their 84-point deficit, Dunolly showed some fight to start the fourth quarter through Willem Schepers, Mitchell Goodwin and captain Lachlan Tranter.
Yet Newstead dashed to the final siren with six goals in the final term to complete a staggering victory.
Winnard’s sublime goal-kicking was an easy choice for Newstead’s best players, joined by Moran, Smith, Ethan Maltby, Richardson and Woodman.
Goodwin and Morton battled hard in defence for Dunolly, both named among their team’s standouts alongside Burt, Joel Fisher, Jay McDonald and Tranter.