Sport
22 April, 2026
FOOTY: Battle of big improvers
Saturday confirmed the vast improvement of both sides after a disappointing 2025.
JOE Maishman delivered a commanding best-on-ground performance to claim the Chris “Pa” Wall Medal as St Arnaud made it two from two in North Central football on Saturday.
Maishman drove the Saints to a hard-earned 10.10 (70) to 8.11 (59) victory over Donald at Lord Nelson Park.
Saturday confirmed the vast improvement of both sides after a disappointing 2025.
Maishman’s influence was profound across all four quarters, setting the tone with his work around the contest, ball use and leadership when the game was at its most critical.
After a slow start from the Saints, it was Maishman who helped steady the side and guide them back into the contest.
Donald were sharp early, taking control in the opening term to lead 4.3 to 2.2 at quarter time. Pressure and ability to capitalise on opportunities had St Arnaud on the back foot, but the Saints remained composed as Maishman began to assert his presence.
The second quarter tightened into a contested battle, and it was here that Maishman’s impact began to grow.
His ability to win the ball in tight and drive St Arnaud forward proved pivotal, helping set up goals to Torin Petrie and Nick Maishman as the Saints edged their way back into the contest, trailing narrowly at halftime.
After the main break, Maishman continued to lead from the front as St Arnaud lifted their intensity. Jay Kirwood provided the spark on the scoreboard, but much of the Saints’ momentum was built off the work of Maishman through the midfield. As the pressure mounted, Lucas Bridger and Mitch Egan added goals, stretching the margin before Donald responded late to close within a point at the final change.
With the game in the balance, Maishman again stood tall in the final term, helping the Saints regain control.
Goals to Luke Jackson, Bridger and Kirwood gave St Arnaud the breathing room they needed, with their ability to capitalise on key moments proving decisive.
Supported strongly by Sean Holroyd and Harley Durward, Maishman was clearly the standout, his four-quarter performance underpinning the Saints’ victory. It was a win built on resilience and leadership, with Maishman at the forefront as St Arnaud overcame an early deficit to secure an 11-point result.
The Saints are on the road this weekend for another test, up against the undefeated Sea Lake Nandaly.
St Arnaud turned a tight early contest into a commanding 11.8 (74) to 3.4 (22) victory over Donald in their reserves clash, breaking the game open after halftime with a dominant display.
The opening term set the tone for an early even battle, with Simon Elliott giving the Saints the first major before Donald responded almost immediately through Darcy Harrison.
Both sides had a goal each at the first break.
St Arnaud began to edge ahead in the second quarter, gradually building scoreboard pressure.
While a series of behinds limited the early damage, the Saints found reward through Jarryd Kell and a clever finish from a forward entry to extend the margin.
By halftime, St Arnaud had established a 3.3 to 1.1 lead, gaining control through their ability to lock the ball in their forward half.
The third quarter proved decisive. Tristan Ward opened the Saints’ account for the term before Jake Hicks and Aidan Wickham added consecutive goals.
St Arnaud’s ball movement and midfield dominance began to take hold. Donald managed a late response through Blake Grant, but the Saints carried a strong 42–14 advantage into the final change.
With the game on their terms, St Arnaud finished strongly in the last quarter. Hicks added another early major before Donald briefly responded through Nathan Donnellon. From there, the Saints took full control.
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