Sport
3 July, 2026
MCDFNL Round 12 Football Preview Maryborough Dunolly v Newstead
Newstead looks to rebound from their narrow defeat to Talbot when they travel to Deledio Reserve to face Dunolly.
The Steaders were highly equivalent to the uber-talented Hawks last Saturday, but inaccuracy in front of goal proved to be their undoing, booting 1.7 to Talbot’s 4.5 in the second half of their 17-point defeat that shifted them outside the top four on percentage.
While double chance isn’t quintessential, it’s a luxury Newstead would love to obtain, hoping for a percentage booster against the team they defeated by 110 points back in round four.
In a match heavily affected by a potent breeze, William Moran, Joel Smith and Adam Hunter ensured the Steaders made the most of the wind with nine third-quarter goals.
Those quarter lapses have routinely shackled Dunolly’s aspirations this season, a notion amplified last weekend when a 35-point quarter time deficit to Natte Bealiba forced them to chase the game.
As they attempt to produce a more sufficient challenge against Newstead, the Eagles will look for the likes of Jay McDonald, Bailey Morton, Lachlan Tranter and Joel Fisher to control possession and create openings.
Dunolly will also need to find a solution for Newstead key forward Sam Winnard, who had the football’s DNA all over him back in round four with a spectacular nine-goal performance.