Sport
24 April, 2026
Pumas fall just short in thrilling masters match
Two late goals in “red time” saw northern Victorian team Macorna snatch victory from Maryborough in their AFL Vic Country Masters clash on Sunday.
The Tigers kicked a goal after the final siren to cap a 9.10.(64) to 8.6.(54) win over the Pumas at Carisbrook Recreation Reserve.
Less than a minute earlier, Maryborough had an opportunity to take back the lead before the ball was turned over in a marking contest and the visitors ran the ball the length of the field for a last chance to score.
The mark, and resulting goal, was the final act in an entertaining and see-sawing game.
Maryborough coach Lauchlan Williams said it was an encouraging effort from his team despite the Pumas’ 10-point loss.
“The major positive for me was getting a few players back into the side for the first time this season,” he said.
“The two teams were very evenly matched and the result could have gone either way, which is exactly what you want. It felt like a real arm wrestle.
“We’re still hoping to recruit a few more players and boost our numbers this year, and a close
game played in great spirit like this past Sunday is the perfect advertisement for over-35s footy.”
Macorna bounced out of the blocks, the Tigers opening with the first two goals of the match before Williams, Ash Joaquin and Jibb Iglesias hit back for the Pumas.
The visitors scored the only two goals of the second term to stretch the lead out to 14 points at half time.
Paul Manitta enjoyed a purple patch in the third quarter, kicking three spectacular majors and, when Iglesias slotted his second in the final term, Maryborough was on the cusp of victory before Macorna’s last minute heroics.
Manitta (three goals) and Williams were outstanding for the home team, with Iglesias (three goals), Jackson Fitzpatrick, Justin Robinson and Mike Dickins also among the Pumas’ best.
AFL Masters football is usually played once a fortnight with training at 6pm on Wednesday evenings at Princes Park.