Sport
14 May, 2026
Saints show small spark
The Saints produced some of their best football of the season across the opening quarter and early stages of the second term, taking the game right up to the reigning premiers with strong pressure, clean ball movement and genuine belief around the contest.
ST ARNAUD has been given a harsh reminder that competitive football for 30 minutes simply will not be enough against the North Central Football League’s top sides, with Calder United turning a tight contest into a 110-point result at Lord Nelson Park on Saturday in former captain Kurt Torney’s 200th club game.
The Saints produced some of their best football of the season across the opening quarter and early stages of the second term, taking the game right up to the reigning premiers with strong pressure, clean ball movement and genuine belief around the contest.
Lucas Bridger provided the perfect start with two early goals, while Torney and Jay Kirwood also hit the scoreboard as St Arnaud carried a six-point advantage into quarter time.
Joe Maishman’s major early in the second quarter even restored the Saints lead, with the home side still right in the contest after 30 minutes of football.
Nick Maishman battled tirelessly around the contest for the Saints, while Lachlan O’Connell (31 disposals), Sean Holroyd (29) and Joe Maishman (24) all found plenty of the football in a side that showed genuine competitiveness early. Jay Kirwood also continued his strong form with 20 disposals and a goal. A key differential in the match came through the middle, where Calder United dominated the ruck battle 48-19. While Dean Putt’s influence around stoppages was significant for the Lions, the Saints were asking a pair of relative newcomers to the craft to compete against one of the competition’s more experienced big men.
The Lions added five consecutive goals late in the second quarter to take control before dominating the second half, piling on 14 goals after the main break.
Steven Kennedy was outstanding with 34 disposals for Calder United, while Rylee Smith (27), Zach Caccaviello (26), Matt Farmer (24), Bailey Bish (24), Jordan Hughes (23) and George Turner (22) all played major roles in the Lions’ dominant performance.
Dale Pearce and Steven Stroobants each finished with six goals for Calder United, while Cody Green added three.
Off the field, the club’s All Saints Day was extremely well attended, with St Arnaud acknowledging and celebrating its premiership sides from 1976, 1986 and 2006 throughout the day.
Despite the result, the Saints showed they have the potential that can develop as the season goes on.
Read More: St Arnaud