Sport
3 June, 2025
Thriller clash sees Navarre five-point victors over Avoca
A thriller was played at Avoca with the Navarre Grasshoppers victorious by five points.
A close opening term set the game’s tone, with Riley Hamilton goaling three minutes in.
Navarre’s Riley Bibby kicked three goals in the quarter to gain some ascendency for the Grasshoppers.
After an equal second term, Avoca’s Jordan Thomas left the field early in the third term with a depressed cheekbone fracture from an accidental head clash.
Nathan Coghlan moved forward and kicked three goals for Avoca, but Sam Walker kicked his third and fourth of the game for Navarre to lead at the final change by six points.
Avoca forward Zac Lubeek kicked his fourth goal two minutes in to level the scores. However, Sam Rickard and Zak Varley both responded with goals to give the Grasshoppers a 12-point lead at the four-minute mark.
The match was delayed for 25 minutes following a serious injury to Navarre’s star defender Nick Birthisel caused by a heavy tackle.
When the game recommenced at 5 pm with Navarre leading by 12 points, Avoca’s Cameron Antonio and Alex Riches kicked the first two goals from the restart to draw the game on the scoreboard.
Navarre’s Tom Hannett answered when he kicked truly to lead by six points.
Avoca’s Mitchell Whelan had a shot from directly in front after the siren, but unfortunately for the Bulldogs, the ball went directly over the top of the goal post, resulting in a behind and giving Navarre a five-point victory.
Avoca also lost two players with fractures to Brayden Wardlaw and Jordan Thomas.
Navarre and Avoca have played 162 times since 1945, and this was Navarre’s 108th victory.
It was expected to be an easy victory for the Grasshoppers, but Avoca pulled out all the stops, and it resulted in a thrilling finish to the day.
Navarre’s Walker kicked four goals, and Avoca’s Lubeek also kicked four goals.
Brad Carter, Rickard, and Jayden Fowkes shone for the Grasshoppers, and others to play well were Will Moloney, Varley, and Birthisel.
Riches, Hamilton and Alex Bowd were named as Avoca’s better players along with Whelan, Bryce Howell, and Lubeek.