Sport
7 July, 2026
Redbacks preserve top spot after besting Navarre
Ladder leaders Carisbrook further strengthened its premiership credentials with a commanding 51-point victory over Navarre at the Navarre Sports Complex on Saturday.
The Redbacks made the early running, kicking four goals to one in the opening quarter to establish a 17-point lead.
Tim Rinaldi opened his account with an early major, while Harry Whitty and Thomas Gardam also found the scoreboard as Carisbrook’s midfield gained the upper hand.
Navarre’s only goal of the term came through Riley Bibby, but the Grasshoppers struggled to match the visitors’ efficiency inside 50.
Navarre lifted its intensity in the second quarter and worked hard to remain in the contest.
Two quick goals kept the home side within reach, but Carisbrook continually answered every challenge, heading to the main break leading 7.2 (44) to 3.5 (23).
The match was effectively decided during the third quarter. Carisbrook kicked four goals to one, with Rinaldi adding to his impressive tally, while Gardam and Ricky Pearson also hit the scoreboard.
Navarre created opportunities but managed just one goal and five behinds for the term, with Darcy Claughton kicking his second major.
The inaccurate kicking proved costly as the margin stretched to 39 points at the final change.
Carisbrook maintained complete control in the final quarter, adding another two goals while restricting Navarre to a solitary behind to complete a convincing 13.8.(86) to 4.11.(35) victory.
Rinaldi finished with five goals to continue his remarkable season, while Patrick Taranto was out-standing through the midfield.
Mitchell Treacy, Blake Matthews, Gardam, Whitty and Jackson Bowen were also instrumental in another polished Redbacks performance.
Navarre never stopped competing and had plenty of contributors despite the defeat. Bradley Slorach led the way and was well supported by Oliver Notting, John Jok, Sam Rickard, Luke Hendy and Claughton.
