Sport
3 July, 2026
MCDFNL Round 12 Football Preview Maldon v Campbells Creek
Eleven rounds into the 2025 home and away season, finals seemed to be wishful thinking for Maldon, sitting six points adrift of the top eight in 12th with a 2-8 record.
Then suddenly a one-point victory over Newstead sparked a dramatic late rally that snuck the Bombers back into finals.
One year later, Maldon now find themselves in a near-identical position, currently outside the top eight after a convincing loss to Harcourt, blemishing their record to 2-8.
With talented players like Damian Wust, Matthew Gray, Tadgh Cananzi and Darcy Kelly at their disposal, coupled with a final stretch against two teams they defeated to start 2026 in Dunolly and Lexton as well as Avoca, the Bombers have the capability of once again pulling off the improbable.
Yet time is quickly running out, and an unfulfilling display against Campbells Creek could see the finals clock strike midnight.
While containing teams to double digits remains a work in progress, the Magpies have routinely been able to match teams with their scoring, already surpassing last season’s points scored tally with six games remaining.
Round 11 was a prime example, as goals from Ben Sutherland, Jesse Presser, Dylan Stevens and James Haber allowed Campbells Creek to keep pace with finals contenders Maryborough before the Giants surged late in the final quarter.
With the Bombers currently ranked 12th in points allowed this season, Gray, Coby Bennett and Thomas McNeill will look to stifle the Magpies inside 50, while Wust, Cananzi and Billy Johns will aim to provide scoring chances for Bailey Brown, Harrison Tulloch and Ashley Woodman.