Sport
22 June, 2026
Redbacks cement top spot
WEDDERBURN reinforced its standing among the North Central Football League’s premiership contenders last Saturday, overcoming a spirited St Arnaud challenge to record a 39-point victory in cold and testing conditions at Lord Nelson Park.
WEDDERBURN reinforced its standing among the North Central Football League’s premiership contenders on Saturday, overcoming a spirited St Arnaud challenge to record a 39-point victory in cold and testing conditions at Lord Nelson Park.
The Redbacks prevailed 11.12 (78) to 6.3 (39), but the final margin only told part of the story as the Saints produced one of their most complete performances of the season.
Wedderburn made the brighter start, capitalising on its early opportunities to establish a 15-point lead at the first change.
Goals to Tom Metherell, Mitchell McEwen and Louis Holt helped the visitors gain the early advantage despite a competitive opening quarter.
The contest came to life in the second term as St Arnaud lifted its intensity around the ball and began to generate opportunities going forward.
Goals to Nick Maishman, Max Hungerford and Liam Loverso brought the Saints back into the contest before Joe Maishman’s major reduced the margin to just a single point midway through the quarter.
At that stage the Saints had seized momentum and looked capable of producing a major upset, matching the Redbacks around the contest and applying strong defensive pressure.
To Wedderburn’s credit, the visitors responded when challenged.
Late goals to Tyler Curtis and Mitchell McEwen halted St Arnaud’s charge and restored breathing space on the scoreboard, giving the Redbacks a 13-point advantage at half time.
That period proved pivotal.
While St Arnaud continued to compete strongly after the break, Wedderburn’s midfield began to gain greater control of territory and field position.
The visitors generated repeated forward entries and gradually wore down a determined Saints defence.
A goal to Danny Benaim and another to Noah Furlong helped extend the margin during the third quarter, before the Redbacks sealed the result with three final-quarter majors.
Despite the defeat, there were plenty of positives for St Arnaud.
The Saints’ endeavour could not be questioned, with their pressure and defensive commitment keeping them in the contest for much of the afternoon.
Their willingness to compete was reflected in a strong tackling performance and a defensive effort that repeatedly forced Wedderburn to earn its opportunities.
For Wedderburn, the victory was built on sustained midfield pressure and an ability to respond at important moments.
After being challenged during the second quarter, the Redbacks steadied and controlled much of the second half to secure another valuable four points. Sean Holroyd, Harley Durward, Mitch Egan, Nick Maishman, Jackson Needs and Liam Loverso were named among St Arnaud’s best players. Nick Maishman and Joe Maishman each kicked two goals, while Hungerford, Loverso, Needs and Jay Kirwood added one apiece.
Noah Furlong, Mitchell McEwen, Corey Lowry, Zach Pallpratt, Jayden Jones and Jye Mortlock led the way for Wedderburn as the Redbacks continued their impressive season.
St Arnaud will meet Charlton this week for Maddi’s Round and Wedderburn will take on Calder United at Donaldson Park on Saturday.
Read More: St Arnaud, Wedderburn