Sport
21 April, 2026
Giant first half gives Maryborough first win over Avoca
For the first time in the club’s history, the Maryborough Giants have commenced a senior football campaign with two straight victories after a commanding first half set the stage for a 37-point win over Avoca.
It was a significant result for the Giants, marking their first victory over the Bulldogs since the club’s formation in 2024.
The contest was very much a tale of two halves. The Giants were dominant early, completely overrunning the Bulldogs with their speed and ball movement while keeping the home side scoreless until late in the second quarter.
By the main break, Maryborough had piled on 10 goals and held a dominant 66-point lead, with Avoca yet to register a major.
The Giants’ efficiency going forward was a key factor, kicking 5.3 in the opening term to take control of the game, before backing it up with another five goals in the second quarter from nine scoring shots. Their pace and clean ball use left the Bulldogs’ defence under constant pressure.
With such a commanding lead at half time, the Giants may have taken the foot off the pedal, as Avoca stormed back into the contest after the break.
The Bulldogs came out with renewed intensity in the second half, outscoring the Giants eight goals to three.
Nathan Coghlan was the standout, becoming the focal point in attack and finishing with six goals, providing a major spark for the home side.
Despite the resurgence, the damage had already been done, with the Giants’ first-half dominance proving decisive.
Maryborough would be pleased with the result, but aware that their second-half fade-out is an area to address moving forward.
Better players for the Giants were Riley Govan, Rhys Egan, Rhys Wagstaff, Sam Spink, Murray Bond, and Mitch Stork.
Atticus Cullinan was the only multiple-goal kicker with three majors in a well-rounded forward effort that saw 11 different players hit the scoreboard.
For Avoca, reigning best and fairest Alex Riches led the way, supported by Keenan McLinden, Coghlan, Campbell Blair, Daniel Howell and Jason Thomas.