Sport
12 May, 2026
Reigning premiers dispose of Campbells Creek
Avoca continues to set the benchmark in the MCDFNL’s A grade competition, conquering an improving Campbells Creek by a convincing 56 goals.
Outside of a positive third quarter from the Magpies, Saturday’s contest was one-way traffic for the reigning premiers, who maintained their top spot on the A grade ladder ahead of their Grand Final rematch with Talbot this weekend.
With elite defender Caitlin Drummond unavailable, Kodie Greenwood stepped into the role of goal keeper. Caitlin Sleeman was Avoca’s other inclusion at wing defence, replacing Bridie Kennedy.
Campbells Creek started the contest with the offensive lineup that kick-started a second-half fightback in round four versus Lexton.
However, the Bulldogs’ new-look defence immediately made their presence felt in the first quarter, with Ella Patten fitting in seamlessly alongside Greenwood and Sleeman, who were fresh off an impressive defensive performance in B grade.
After combining to score 88 against Harcourt the week prior, Avoca’s sensational shooting tandem of Maddy Egan and Gina Steel wasted no time finding the bottom of the net, guiding the hosts to a 21-4 quarter time lead.
Despite the Magpies improving their attacking movement following the interval, the Bulldogs continued their domination in the second quarter.
With typically pinpoint entry passes from Stacey Blair and Lucy Howell, Egan and Steel doubled Avoca’s total to 42 by half time, giving the title holders a 32-goal lead at the main break.
Despite their healthy deficit, Campbells Creek showed confidence in their attack to build on their first-half flashes, deciding to make two defensive position swaps at half time.
That trust was rewarded in the third quarter, as Claire Jones boosted her creative passing while Heni Moeke and Reagan Fulford were able to recalibrate their shooting accuracy.
Alongside their longer possessions, which restricted Avoca’s attacking chances, the defensive trio of Phoebe Jones, Mia Martin and captain Taylah Sartori all produced some fine individual moments.
It resulted in a 15-10 third quarter finishing in Avoca’s favour, an uplifting result for the Magpies in the midst of a tough defeat.
Unsatisfied with their third term performance, the Bulldogs went on a final quarter rampage, outscoring Campbells Creek 23-4 in the fourth period to complete their fourth straight win where the final margin was 50 goals or more.
Egan and Steel were instrumental in another convincing win, with Egan top-scoring with 48 goals and Steel converting a season-best 39 shots from 50 attempts.
The decision to move Moeke into goal attack continues to be a fruitful one for Campbells Creek, with their key offseason addition adding 10 goals while providing excellent support to Fulford, who finished with a team-high 14 makes.