Sport
2 June, 2026
Two points the difference as Brook defeat Talbot
Carisbrook has strengthened its claims as a genuine premiership contender after surviving a determined Talbot challenge to record a thrilling two-point victory at Carisbrook Recreation Reserve.
In wet and slippery conditions that made clean ball handling difficult all afternoon, scoring opportunities were hard to come by as two of the MCDFNL’s leading sides produced a fierce and uncompromising contest.
Talbot struck first through a 50-metre penalty to Dean Galea and took a 1.1 to 0.2 lead into quarter time after both sides struggled to convert their chances in a low-scoring opening term.
The Hawks maintained their narrow advantage throughout the second quarter.
Carisbrook finally broke through for its first major after a free kick from a pack infringement, but Talbot responded through Galea to keep its nose in front.
The Redbacks had a chance to level the scores after the siren, only to see the shot from Cooper Driscoll drift wide as Talbot entered the main break with a five-point lead.
The game turned in the third term as Carisbrook found another gear. Strong work around the contest and repeated entries inside 50 allowed the Redbacks to kick three goals through Tim Rinaldi and Angus McKinna.
Rinaldi and Thomas Gardam became influential targets up forward, while James Allan, Mitchell Treacy and Anden Lever provided plenty of protection around the ground.
Talbot refused to go away, with Galea continuing to loom as a dangerous target and keeping the Hawks within striking distance.
Despite the pressure from the visitors, Carisbrook held a one-goal advantage at the final change.
The fourth quarter produced a gripping finish. Carisbrook extended its lead early and appeared to have done enough, but Talbot launched one final assault in the final minute of the game.
Galea booted his third goal of the afternoon, while the Hawks found another late major through Tommy Alkemade to close the gap to just two points.
With the game on the line in the closing seconds, Carisbrook’s defence stood tall, repelling a forward entry to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
The win was built on an even team contribution, with Lever, Allan, Gardam, Todd Bryant, Treacy and Andrew Toan leading the way for the Redbacks.
For Talbot, Dylan Tarczon, Charles Aitken, Alkemade, Joshua Szabo, Victor Micallef and Kirk Lang were outstanding in a performance that showed the Hawks remain a serious premiership threat despite the narrow defeat.