Sport
29 July, 2025
Redbacks keep Newstead to single digits in win
Carisbrook showcased why they are one of the most stifling defensive teams in the MCDFNL, holding Newstead to just nine points in their 81-point victory away from home.
Saturday’s wet and treacherous conditions played right into the Redbacks’ game plan, excelling at limiting gaps inside 50 and halting their opponents’ transition with contested intercept marks.
The visitors wasted no time asserting control on the match, registering eight unanswered scoring shots in the first quarter.
The weather, coupled with the Steaders’ persistent defence, meant Carisbrook kicked three goals from those eight chances, limiting their lead to 23 points at quarter time.
Thomas Gardam, Mitchell Treacy, Nicholas Wright and Bray Bartlett powered the Redbacks forward in the second quarter, booting 3.4 to the Steaders’ two minor scores to increase the margin to 43 points at the main break.
Determined to give the home supporters something to cheer about to start the second half, Newstead improved in the third quarter, resulting in their first goal of the match through the returning Brendan McDougall.
Carisbrook regained control rather quickly after half time however, adding another three goals in the term to build a 58-point gap between the two teams at three-quarter time.
The Redbacks ensured they would leave Newstead Recreation Reserve with the four points by keeping the Steaders scoreless in the last quarter, the exclamation point on another outstanding defensive performance.
Gardam seems to be peaking at the right time for the Redbacks, once again named in the best players in five of the last six matches.
He was named alongside Brady Neill, Treacy, Wright, Bartlett and Aaron Taggart, who impressed in his return to the senior team.
Bartlett, Wright and Mitchell McClure booted two goals each for the Redbacks.
After being named among the best players in Newstead’s loss to Carisbrook back in round two, Devin Gordois produced an encore performance with another best players nod against the Redbacks.
He was joined by Michael Dalrymple, Joel Smith, Dylan Gordois, Ethan Maltby and Brad Richardson, who celebrated his 200th senior game for the club.