Sport
19 June, 2026
Early wins set Redbacks up for strong finals comp
WEDDERBURN came into the North Central football season hoping to bank some early wins to set up a strong challenge for the flag in the second half of the year.
WEDDERBURN came into the North Central football season hoping to bank some early wins to set up a strong challenge for the flag in the second half of the year.
It has worked better than even coach Tom Metherell had hoped, with the Redbacks unbeaten after playing all the other clubs once. Victory over St Arnaud by 39 points on Saturday completed the set, but Metherell wasn’t completely happy with the performance.
Rain set in after Wedderburn kicked the first three goals of the game in quick time and the coach said his side did not handle the slippery conditions.
“We were no good,” Metherell said. “We overused by hand, and only in the last quarter did we start to play a territory football.”
Three goals to St Arnaud’s one in that last term saw the Redbacks home. Wedderburn’s 23 scoring shots to nine reflected its dominance, but poor kicking for goal prevented a much bigger win.
Matt Perri, who had kicked 28 goals in the first six matches, was kept goalless on a day that didn’t suit forwards.
Midfielders dominated the game in the wet, with only two players kicking multiple goals, Redbacks pair Mitch McEwan and ruckman Tyler Curtis.
Wedderburn is at home to 2025 premiers Calder United this week, who have dropped two matches this season.
Read More: Wedderburn