Sport
19 May, 2026
Talbot dominates Avoca in 132-point drubbing
Talbot produced another ruthless attacking display on Saturday, dismantling Avoca by 132 points at Talbot Recreation Reserve.
The Hawks set the tone immediately, completely dominating territory and possession in the opening term while restricting the Bulldogs to just a solitary behind.
Talbot’s pressure and clean ball movement proved overwhelming early, helping the home side establish a 25-point lead at quarter time.
The second quarter was even more one-sided, with Talbot piling on another six goals while Avoca again failed to register a major. By half time, the Hawks had opened up a commanding 64-point advantage and the contest was effectively over.
Talbot’s midfield dominance and relentless forward pressure continued after the main break as the Hawks exploded with nine goals in the third term.
Their ability to move the ball quickly and isolate dangerous forwards inside 50 repeatedly exposed the Bulldogs’ defence.
After starting 2026 at Moama in the Murray Football League, former back-to-back VFL leading goal-kicker Dean Galea made an immediate impact in his debut for the Hawks, slotting five goals in a lively performance up forward, while Jarrod Stephens was outstanding with six majors of his own.
Talbot eventually finished with 23 goals for the afternoon in one of the club’s most complete performances of the season.
Dylan Tarczon was superb across the ground and was well supported by Stephens, Tommy Alkemade, Luke Kemp, Jude McGuire and Aaron Collicoat in a dominant team effort.
For Avoca, Bryce Howell battled tirelessly despite the heavy defeat, while Keenan McLinden, Daniel Howell, Matthew Wardlaw, Jamie Beavis and Darcy Coghlan were named among the Bulldogs’ better contributors.