Sport
5 August, 2025
Redbacks secure the double over Giants
Carisbrook continues to have the Maryborough Giants number, completing the season double over their fellow contender with an 18-goal victory, which secures their spot in the top three on the MCDFNL ladder.
Both teams were relatively unchanged for this pivotal match in the final standings of the top four, with Redbacks midcourter Millie Cassidy the only addition.
Despite the Giants deadly shooting duo of Ruby Saunder and Lacey Broad not missing a single shot in the first quarter, the Redbacks took a 13-9 lead into quarter time.
While Carisbrook defenders Katie Bilton, Finley Wagstaff and Maggie Tranter forced several early turnovers, Cassidy and Laura Hurse limited similar mistakes, ensuring their shooters Abbey Nalder and Jordan McClure got off to a strong start.
Nalder led with nine and McClure netted four.
Somewhat uncharacteristically, the Redbacks entered the second quarter without any alterations to their lineup, confident their current formula could keep the Giants at bay.
Their theory proved to be correct throughout the period, increasing their advantage to double digits.
While the persistent disruptions of Giants defender Julie Anderson had a noticeable effect on Nalder’s shooting in the second quarter, McClure remained as stoic as ever, scoring 12 of her 13 attempts on goal.
Broad and Saunder remained efficient shooting the ball for the Giants, with Broad going 10 for 11 in the term and Saunder adding three.
With a mountain to climb down 34-22 to begin the second half, the Giants were forced to take some risks in the third quarter to have any chance of a comeback.
That led to more turnover opportunities which the Redbacks took full advantage of, punishing the hosts with a 21-goal deficit at three-quarter time.
After going the first half unchanged, Carisbrook slotted Chloe Egan into their defence, with her energy and experience playing a big role in the visitors extending their lead.
Even with Nalder’s shooting struggles, she still managed to lead the quarter with 12 goals while the sharpshooting McClure added seven.
The Redbacks’ defence, led by Egan and Tranter, only allowed 13 shots all quarter, with Broad and Saunder doing their best with their limited chances, converting five shots each.
Despite Carisbrook having an insurmountable lead heading into the fourth quarter, the Giants didn’t go down without a fight, with Christie Chapple, Alisha Hovey and Ella Hocking beginning to break down their opponents’ talented midcourt.
It’s a positive they can take into a potential finals meeting with the Redbacks. However, Carisbrook will be more than happy with the four points, adding another statement win to their resume.
Nalder shook her shooting funk with six goals from seven shots in the final term to finish with a game high 36 goals, while McClure was just behind with 29 goals from 34 attempts for the match.
Broad led the way for the Giants with 33 goals, including 11 in the last 15 minutes, while Saunder had one of her better shooting performances of the season with 14 goals.