Sport
8 August, 2026
The legs just gave out in second half, says Cordy
NEWBRIDGE “just ran out of legs” in the second half of its 91-point loss to Marong, according to coach Jayden Cordy.
NEWBRIDGE “just ran out of legs” in the second half of its 91-point loss to Marong, according to coach Jayden Cordy.
The Panthers poured on 14 goals to one after the main break as the Maroons ended the game with only 17 fit players, with injured young star Blake Wells propped up in the forward pocket.
A possible upset – Newbridge trailed by only 10 points at half-time – turned into a rout with Marong forwards Ray McNamara and Ryler Taylor booting 11 goals between them.
The absence of top goalkicker Cooper Hale didn’t stop the Panthers from running amok, with the brilliant Jimmy Gadsden best afield and launching countless attacks.
Cordy, who has re-signed for 2027, is already talking to potential recruits and current players, with an emphasis on finding experience to bolster a young group.
“We need A-graders around that 27 to 30 age or a bit older – we lack experience to help our young players develop,” he said.
Wells is one of those young players who has already made a mark on the senior side.
Cordy said the 16-year-old, nominated this week for the league’s Rising Star award, would probably finish in the top 10 in the club’s best and fairest voting.
Although still eligible for Under 18s next season, he will play only senior football in 2027.
Cordy said Wells, who has played mostly on the wing this year, was destined for a higher standard of footy, but was set to be a major contributor to the seniors next year.
Newbridge has already put key defender Jon Coe and captain Brandon Dimech on ice but is still hopeful of playing the spoiler in the last two matches, with games against finals-bound Inglewood and Pyramid Hill.
Marong can end Maiden Gully’s finals bid with a win at home this week.
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