Sport
27 May, 2025
Talbot Hawks swoop on Eagles to steal 10-point win
The Talbot Hawks outlasted the Dunolly Eagles in a nailbiter by 10 points, putting them on equal points at the top of the table with four other teams.
With both teams entering the game with wins against Natte Bealiba and Maryborough Giants respectively, Talbot and Dunolly were bullishly confident of their chances to take the four points.
While the Hawks started the match on the front foot thanks to key forward Jarrod Stephens slotting the first goal, they were wayward with their kicking across the ground, missing out on some good chances at goal.
Meanwhile, the Eagles adopted a slower tempo to start the game, meticulously marching down the field with cleaver passing when they had the ball.
When they did get the ball in the forward line, Lloyd Needs and Kallum Schepers made the most of their chances, with the visitors kicking three goals straight to lead by a point at quarter time despite having three fewer scoring shots.
The contest started to open up in the second quarter, with both sides finding a little more space to damage their opponents.
While the Hawks improved their ball distribution to kick 3.1 in the second term, the Eagles’ ability to transition through players like Adal Zuk meant they could still create opportunities even when on the back foot.
With everything their forward line kicked continuing to go through the big sticks, Dunolly held a goal lead at half time.
Determined not to disappoint many premiership greats in attendance for the club’s 1965 and 1995 premiership reunion, Talbot came out motivated in the second half and started to take advantage around the stoppage.
The Hawks hit the front halfway through the third term and would take an eight-point lead into the final quarter after a 4.1 to 2.2 third term.
After their impressive final quarter performance against the Giants the week before, the Eagles knew there was a chance to regain the lead before the final siren.
But even with Dunolly’s forward line continuing their hot streak in front of goal with three majors, Talbot held on, kicking three goals of their own to keep the Eagles at bay.
When the Hawks needed someone to step up, Jude McGuire was the man, impressing in the middle and the forward line with two vital goals.
Jarrod Stephens continues to cause headaches for opposing defences with his ability on the ground and in the marking contest, kicking a game-leading four goals while Lachlan Hind slotted three.
McGuire, Stephens and Hind were named the best players for Talbot alongside Jayson Atkins, Joshua Britten and Trent Barras.
Lachlan Tranter, Jack Merrin, Zuk, Schepers, Jake Brady and Jay McDonald were listed as the best players for Dunolly, while Schepers and Needs were practically automatic in front of goal, kicking three goals each.