Sport
30 May, 2026
Smiles all round for Panthers
MARONG put paid to Newbridge’s four-match winning streak at Malone Park, illustrating the gap between the top three sides and the chasing pack. The Panthers have returned to ominous form after their shock defeat in round four to Pyramid Hill, and were quickly in control against the Maroons, who were without suspended playing coach Jayden Cordy
MARONG put paid to Newbridge’s four-match winning streak at Malone Park, illustrating the gap between the top three sides and the chasing pack. The Panthers have returned to ominous form after their shock defeat in round four to Pyramid Hill, and were quickly in control against the Maroons, who were without suspended playing coach Jayden Cordy. “We didn’t start super well, and no one was really on top but then they got a run on,” Cordy said. He was pleased with his team’s effort in matching Marong for most of the rest of the game, with a couple of players ending the game on ice when the result was apparent. For a spell in the third quarter Newbridge were on top and they got within 18 points after two quick goals from Jackson Hufer, who was sporting a huge shiner after a friendly-fire incident a week earlier. But Marong steadied on the back of renewed midfield dominance and drew away, having time to wildly celebrate first-gamer Cooper Murphy’s two set-shot goals in the last quarter. Panther centre half-forward Cooper Hale continued his strong season with another three goals, including one in the first minute of the last quarter that deflated the opposition, seeing him climb to fourth on the goalkicking list with 23. The Maroons will have to see out the season without their two key goal scorers, Brandon Dimech and Billy Schilling, both of whom have long-term injuries. Hufer did well in kicking three after being switched from defence at half-time, but the lack of real potency up forward may come back to bite Newbridge as the season develops. Caleb Sanders, the team’s top goalkicker for the season, was well held and booted only one for the day. Jon Coe was a rock in defence again for the Maroons, repeatedly repelling attacks with his reading of the play and strong marking. Newbridge faces a crucial clash with Inglewood this week before the bye, with Marong travelling down the road to Maiden Gully.
Read More: Pyramid Hill, Marong