Sport
23 May, 2026
Tiger’s winning streak slashed
TWO HOME losses in a row have dampened Macorna’s finals prospects after a brilliant start to the club’s first season in the Loddon Valley league.
TWO HOME losses in a row have dampened Macorna’s finals prospects after a brilliant start to the club’s first season in the Loddon Valley league. Defeats to Newbridge and, last Saturday, Marong have seen the Tigers slip to sixth on the ladder with a 3-3 record. Coach Fergus Payne returned to the lineup after three weeks’ suspension, but he was unable to inspire his team to a win against a Panthers team that pulled away after being challenged deTuep into the third quarter for a 51-point win. Young gun Sam Whinfield and ruck recruit Matt Colak were again Macorna’s best, with the two having outstanding seasons. Taking on Marong’s main ruckman Michael Bradbury is a tough task for anyone, but Colak accepted the job with aplomb. This week Macorna travels to struggling Calivil with a chance to get back on the winning list before taking on league leaders Pyramid Hill. For Marong, young key forward Cooper Hale continued his excellent form with six goals, taking him to 20 for the season. He won the league reserves best and fairest award last season and was reluctant to play senior football, but this year has made a full commitment to playing in the top grade. Hale’s improvement has helped to fill the gap in attack left by departed star Kain Robins. Otherwise, it was some of the Panthers’ experienced heads to the fore, with Lachie Lee and Matt Willox among the better players. Being able to call on multiple premiership winners in a crisis is a massive advantage to Marong. Marong hosts Newbridge at Malone Park this week in an intriguing match.