Sport
11 August, 2026
Thomas keeps Lexton’s finals hopes alive
A magnificent eight-goal haul from Jaxon Thomas has guided Lexton through part one of their unlikely finals revival with a 48-point victory over Campbells Creek.
While part two will be noticeably tougher as they still require an upset victory at Talbot Recreation Reserve against the red-hot Hawks to crash the finals party, the Tigers did what they needed to do to keep their top eight chances alive against a determined Magpies outfit.
Thomas immediately reminded the Campbells Creek backline of his crucial three-goal performance in Lexton’s last meeting with the Magpies back in round four, smartly taking a free-kick advantage to give the Tigers their first goal inside three minutes.
Despite the early breakthrough, Lexton struggled to capitalise on their early ascendancy, kicking four straight behinds while Isaac Fletcher and Justin Garipoli routinely intervened for the Magpies in their defensive 50.
That allowed Michael White to cut Lexton’s lead to four points after finishing a quick Magpies counterattack orchestrated by Daniel Klimeck and Joel Wootton.
James Haber added a well-taken goal shortly thereafter, but late goals from Tynan Haintz, Thomas and Luke Madden rebuilt the Tigers’ lead to 17 points by quarter time.
As Saturday’s sporadic rainfall continued to affect the Lexton Reserve playing surface, scoring noticeably slowed as play resumed for the second quarter.
However, Thomas seemed unfazed by the treacherous conditions, constantly weaving out of danger and showcasing his impressive marking ability for a small forward to kick all three of Lexton’s unanswered goals in the second term.
When Thomas Cullinan bolstered Lexton’s 35-point half time lead with the first goal of the second half, the Tigers looked poised to put the game away in the third quarter.
However, after a courageous mark and skillful set-shot conversion from White got them on the board, Campbells Creek showcased they still had plenty of resolve, responding to a quickfire double from Thomas with two late majors to reduce their three-quarter time deficit to six goals.
After both teams were held goalless for the first 16 minutes of the final quarter, Thomas latched onto a great kick from Justin Kennedy to score his eighth goal of the afternoon.
A strong contested mark and set shot from captain Jaykeb Lench bookended Lexton’s pivotal victory, keeping themselves in the finals discussion.
Josh Carey, Zavier Duff, Hunter Greene, Billy Briody and Cullinan were named in Lexton’s best players alongside Thomas, while Campbells Creek listed Fletcher, White, Garipoli, Haber, Klimeck and Joel Wootton as their standout performers.