Sport
1 May, 2026
Goals come at just the right time
BRIDGEWATER coach Lachie Sharp’s knack for kicking a goal right when his side needs it was never better illustrated than in the Mean Machine’s win over Inglewood on Sunday.
His seven goals in the annual Anzac clash were the difference between the two sides, and highlighted the Woodies’ desperate lack of a key forward.
Coach Jackson Hood played as the deepest marking target, swapping ends from his usual role as a key defender.
The ploy didn’t work, with Hood goalless and Inglewood relying on captain and small forward Dan Polack for three of the team’s 10 goals on the day.
Despite their struggles in attack, the Woodies’ performance against Bridgewater was clearly their best for the year.
They got within nine points in the last quarter before Sharp booted two goals in quick succession to give Bridgey a buffer it was able to maintain to the end and a 27-point win.
Inglewood could have got even closer before Sharp’s double intervention when Ben Morgan gave away a free kick that bizarrely was reversed when his Bridgewater opponent ruffled his hair as he passed.
His set shot from 25m failed to score.
Sharp told the Loddon Herald his goals came as a result of his teammates’ efforts: “The boys put the ball in the right spots for me, and it was good to get on the end of their hard work.”
He was happy with “another gritty win” but was keen to see Bridgewater’s fast-flowing game appear more often.
The loss leaves Inglewood marooned in last place on the ladder, with a critical clash against unbeaten Macorna looming this Saturday.
There were times when Inglewood was totally dominant in general play but inaccuracy kicking for goal and a resolute Mean Machine defence meant its hard work often went unrewarded.
Defenders were on top for both sides for much of the day, with individual moments of brilliance creating some of the key goals, such as Sharp’s left-foot snap from deep in the pocket just before half-time.
Running players Liam Marciano, Bregon Cotchett – who won the Eddie Harrison Medal for the most courageous player – and Gabe Nevins were always a threat for Inglewood.
The ruck contest was a great battle all afternoon, with the Woodies’ Tom Kennedy shading Bridgewater’s Jack Milligan in the hit outs but Milligan making his mark by kicking the sealer in the last quarter.
Josh Martyn was a rock in defence for Bridgewater, with emerging midfielder Pat Murphy also excellent along with veteran Tyler Estrada and forward Oscar McKinley, who booted three goals but could have had half a dozen if not for wayward kicking.
The Mean Machine travels to play Bears Lagoon Serpentine on Saturday before a top-of-the-table clash with Marong - a yardstick for last year’s two grand finalists and what is ahead in 2026.