Sport
31 October, 2025
Blazers attempt to break losing run versus Rockies
When the Maryborough Men’s Blazers prepare for Saturday’s fixture away to the Macedon Ranges Rockies, one thing will be on their mind. Win.
With five consecutive losses to start 2025, the finals look out of the realm of possibility for the Blazers. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t end a tricky season with a blossom.
Case in point was Maryborough’s clash with the Castlemaine Cannons last weekend, keeping pace with the undefeated champs for extended periods of the match, including outscoring their opponents 43-37 in the second half.
Two backbreaking 11-0 runs in the second quarter doomed the Blazers’ chances of snapping their losing streak with a statement, a trend that has plagued them in key moments this season.
Consistency will be key for Maryborough in their rematch with the second-placed Macedon Ranges Rockies, who triumphed over the Blazers in the first round by 21 points.
Maryborough started that game really well, with some quick buckets from Harry Alsop and Ky Swards giving the Blazers an early seven-point lead.
However, a 12-0 Rockies run late in the first quarter, coupled with a 22-14 second period, reversed Maryborough’s lead into a deficit they couldn’t recover from.
A deciding factor in the last meeting between these two teams was the Macedon Ranges’ domination in the interior, especially with their offensive rebounding and ability to reach the rim, something Maryborough will need to amend on Saturday.
With the Rockies currently sitting second in the league in points allowed per game with an average under 80, buckets will be hard to come by for the Blazers, who have several options to turn to.
Reigning John Stringer MVP Bailey Jacobs is having another outstanding season. Despite only playing four games, Jacobs currently sits fourth in league scoring, averaging 22 points a game.
Swards and Alsop have been reliable options for the Blazers this season, while captain Kynan Carter has become more accustomed to his advanced role.
Emerging as a core contributor, Carter provides an inside and mid-range scoring threat with an average of 7.8 points per game, four points higher than last season.