Sport
30 June, 2026
Steady Giants deny Magpies at the death
The Maryborough Giants’ flair for the dramatic re-emerged at Campbells Creek Recreation Reserve, overcoming a threatening early deficit to defeat the gallant Magpies by four goals.
Trailing by five goals at quarter time, the Giants had their finals aspirations dangling in code red territory.
After a reassuring second quarter allowed them to retake the lead, Macey Parry and Laura McStravick ensured Maryborough held their nerve and preserved their narrow lead until the final whistle.
It was a heartbreaking end to an otherwise landmark performance from Campbells Creek, who will enter this weekend’s encounter against fellow winless side Maldon favoured to obtain an elusive victory.
While the return of midcourter Jessie Tolson boosted the Giants, they also entered their round 11 fixture without star defender Riahni Egan.
Egan’s presence was severely missed in the first quarter, as Campbells Creek burst out of the blocks.
With Millie King unavailable, Heni Moeke flourished as the Magpies’ key shooting option, combining well with Taylah Sartori while showcasing a lights-out shooting touch.
King’s replacement, Claire Jones, also aided the Magpies’ soaring start, as her valuable aerial presence provided a safety valve for her midcourters to deliver the ball into the goal circle.
After their highest scoring quarter of the season, Campbells Creek boasted a quarter-time lead for the first time all season.
That lead remained secure early in the second quarter as defenders Reagan Fulford, Molly Kennedy and Phoebe Jones continued to intervene in Maryborough’s passing lanes.
Despite Bridget Allan shooting well in the opening term, the Giants elected to shift Allan into wing attack alongside fellow young gun Kayley Walhouse to allow veteran shooter Rebecca Dewhirst to come off the bench and play goal shooter.
The gamble paid off immediately, as Allan and Walhouse consistently provided service to Dewhirst and McStravick who found the bottom of the net with regularity.
While McStravick and Dewhirst piled on the goals, Parry and Maddison Smith slowed the Magpies’ fast-starting attack to seven goals in the second quarter, allowing the Giants to leapfrog into a three-goal lead at half time.
Parry remained a constant thorn for Campbells Creek in the second half, pre-emptively jumping intended passes into the attacking third.
However, several untimely miscues by the visitors allowed Campbells Creek to go on a scoring spree late in the third term, drawing within two goals at the final change.
With everything still to play for, the final term was a nail-biting affair, as both teams had their opportunities to secure a vital victory. Maryborough came out of the break determined to land the decisive blow, quickly rebuilding a six-goal lead early in the term.
While the Giants attempted to make their lead insurmountable, Fulford and Kennedy ensured the Magpies’ defence held firm, helping Moeke keep the hosts alive.
As Campbells Creek etched ever closer, Dewhirst’s experience proved vital down the stretch, as her calming presence ensured Mary-borough’s attack preserved some breathing room.
The Magpies kickstarted a late rally at the death, but it proved too little too late as Maryborough escaped with a nerve-wracking win.
Player-coach McStravick was once again excellent for Maryborough, finishing with 34 goals alongside Dewhirst, who provided a vital 14 goals, and Allan who added five.
Moeke scored a season-high 33 shots for Campbells Creek, nearly leading her new team to a memorable victory. Claire Jones performed well alongside Moeke, netting 16.