Sport
12 May, 2026
Giants secure first win by 30 goals over Saints
After a gruelling start to their campaign, the Maryborough Giants are finally off the mark in 2026 with an empowering 59-29 triumph over Trentham.
Saturday’s 30-goal victory was exactly what the doctor ordered for the youthful Giants, shaking off their season-opening four-game losing streak with powerful displays in the second and fourth quarters.
With Golden Square enjoying a bye, two-time MCDFNL Team of the Year member Lacey Broad made a game-changing return for Maryborough, finishing with 52 goals and only five misses.
The travelling Saints also had a key addition, with co-captain Madelyne Brennan hoping to refortify Trentham’s defensive steel after they conceded 73 against Natte Bealiba the week prior.
Thanks to some brilliant interventions from defenders Jorgia Brown and Riahni Egan, the Giants held an early advantage.
However, the hosts were unable to fully capitalise on their strong start due to a combination of errant entry passing and the pairing of Jessica Walker and Brennan being equally impressive in Trentham’s defensive goal circle.
Walker and Broad were having an excellent battle during the first quarter, with Walker intercepting multiple lob passes intended for Broad, forcing the VNL reserves shooter to adapt her strategy.
When the dust settled on a frantic, back-and-forth first quarter, the Giants held a slim four-goal lead.
Player-coach Laura McStravick has been unafraid to alter her lineup this season, and she didn’t change that mentality at quarter time, taking herself off for Bridget Allan and bringing Jessie Tolson and Kayley Walhouse into the midcourt.
Boasting a wealth of experience playing alongside each other to great junior success, Walhouse, Allan and Broad’s instinctive chemistry immediately boosted Maryborough’s offensive production.
With Walhouse, Allan and Alisha Hovey finding Broad with increased efficency, the Giants quickly generated a double-digit cushion in the second quarter.
The Saints attempted to slow the Giants down with a personnel reshuffle of their own, but the hosts’ offence continued to rain goals as they doubled up Trentham 30-15 by half time.
Trentham looked to recover early in the second half, with the introduction of Ebony Clark helping Walker and Brennan stem Maryborough’s scoring spree.
However, the Giants’ defensive quartet of Egan, Brown, Macey Parry and Amelia Reynolds was even more potent during the low-scoring third term, as the margin expanded to 19 goals at three-quarter time.
With an elusive victory within touching distance, the Giants assured the final result with a 19-8 fourth quarter, lifting a burdening weight off their shoulders in the process.
Broad made her return to Giants country count with 52 goals, while McStravick and Allan netted four and three shots respectively.
Sharna Ford continues to be a valuable asset to Trentham’s offence, leading the way with 17 goals. Charli Copeland converted eight of her 12 first-half attempts while Hodgson added four.