NELSON Bay Marlins AFL Club boast an inspirational leader in legendary full forward Wayd Blackburne.
The on-field warrior celebrated his 225 match milestone with a three-goal haul in the Marlins resounding 89-17 victory over Cardiff Hawks last Saturday in AFL Hunter Central Coast Black Diamond Senior Mens Cup action at Dick Burwell Oval.
It was another polished performance by the experienced Blackburne, who has turned in consistent displays for the fourth-ranked Nelson Bay team this season.
The club stalwart has been instrumental in the Marlins’ eight victories this season, bagging 25 goals in 11 appearances to keep his side in the finals mix.
He stands tall in the Nelson Bay club’s Hall of Fame with an impressive personal tally of 463 goals.
The Marlins held a 15-7 lead over Cardiff at the end of the first quarter before booting five goals to establish a 48-9 advantage by the half-time interval.
Nelson Bay kept the Hawks scoreless in the third team to lead 56-9 and finished strongly with another five-goal blitz to dent Cardiff’s finals hopes.
Talented half forward Mitchell Hall kicked four goals to cap a strong solo performance with centre Hudson Roche (2), full forward Harry Gordon (2), half forward Tom Warren and interchange Addison Wilks also among the Nelson Bay goal scorers.
The Marlins remain in fourth spot on 32 points with three regular season round fixtures to be played in coming weeks; against undefeated competition leaders Newcastle City at the No 1 Sportsground, Maitland Saints at Max McMahon Oval, and Warners Bay Bulldogs at Dick Burwell Oval.
Fourth-ranked Cardiff had too many big guns for Nelson Bay in the Senior Women’s Cup clash, posting a 116-0 drubbing.
The Marlins were courageous to the end and best served by centre Charlotte Connick, interchange Keira Mamotte, half forward Tori Borg, fullback Kaitlyn Mamotte, centre Ella Burggraaff and half back Ellie Duffy.
By Chris KARAS
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