Sport
29 July, 2025
Trentham survive early scare from Dunolly
Despite some strong resistance from Dunolly in the first half, Trentham kicked away to remain in first on the MCDFNL ladder with a 37-point victory.
Keen to cement themselves as a dangerous team heading into the tail end of the season and keep themselves away from teams looking to barge their way into the top eight, the Eagles brought the fight to the Saints right from the opening bounce.
Dunolly’s talented Lachlan’s, Tranter and Watson, as well as Ricky McMahon, were holding their own against Trentham’s talented midfield, helping the hosts to have the slimmest of advantages at quarter time, up by one point.
The Saints displayed why they were the heavy favourites heading into this match in the second term, showcasing ruthless efficiency with their opportunities, which makes them such a dangerous team.
Four goals to two in the second quarter gave the Saints an 11-point lead at half time.
Trentham continued to pile on the pressure on Dunolly in the third quarter on both sides of the ball.
While their defence, led by a strong performance from Liam Ratliff, held the Eagles to one goal for the term, their forward line remained potent, booting three goals from four scoring shots to be up by four goals at the final change.
Despite everything thrown their way, the Saints ensured the Eagles had no chance of a comeback in the final quarter, keeping the hosts goaless to secure a hard-fought four points.
Zachary Gervasoni displayed why he’s one of the most in-form ruckmen in the competition, named as the Saints’ best player for his dominant ruck work while also being a threat going forward.
Gervasoni was joined by Cooper Webber-Mirkin, Ratliff, Joseph Nesci, Michael Hourigan and Marcus Elderfield.
Key forwards James Regan and Jake Keogh finished with three goals each, while Elderfield pitched in with two goals.
Tranter continues to be a standout for Dunolly this season, listed among the hosts’ best players alongside Jay McDonald, Jake Gavriliadis, Mathew Bradley, McMahon and Bailey Wingrave.
McDonald, Watson, Ayden Lee, Jackson and Mitchell Goodwin were the Eagles’ goal-kickers, all booting one goal each.