Sport
3 June, 2025
Top of the ladder for Carisbrook after Maldon win
Carisbrook will enter the long weekend break at the top of the MCDFNL ladder following their 82-point victory over Maldon at Bill Woodfull Recreation Reserve.
Carisbrook have impressed with their defensive capabilities this season, most notably keeping Harcourt goalless for three quarters in their victory over the Lions last week.
That continued into Saturday, as the Redbacks kept the Bombers scoreless in the opening term, streaking out to a 27-point lead at quarter time.
Frustrated by the first-quarter scoreline, Maldon burst into life to start the second quarter, with Darcy Kelly the unlikely fuel to kickstart the hosts’ offence.
The Bombers registered 11 scoring shots to the Redbacks six in the second half, but inaccurate kicking in front of goal meant they trailed by 22 points at the main break.
After being under the cosh for most of the second quarter, Carisbrook’s defensive line was refortified at half time, conceding just one goal in the third quarter.
As the Bombers searched for opportunities to claw back the deficit, the Redbacks were ruthless in transition, allowing the ever-dangerous Tim Rinaldi and Angus McKinna to make their opponents pay.
Four goals in the third term catapulted Carisbrook to a comfortable 40-point lead at three quarter time.
After dealing with the best the Bombers could throw at them, the Redbacks cruised to victory, kicking seven unanswered goals to blow out the margin to 82 points at the final siren.
Rinaldi extended his ridiculous form in front of goal with six against the Bombers, bringing his season tally up to 33 after kicking 23 in his last four games.
He was an easy choice for Carisbrook’s best players, joined by fellow goalkickers Thomas Gardam, McKinna, Todd Bryant, Nicholas Wright and Patrick Van der Pol.
With inaccurate kicking plaguing the entire team, Kelly’s three goals were a valued contribution for Maldon, named among the best players alongside Ashley Woodman, Damian Wust, Max Johns, Matthew Gray and Xavior Noy.