Nelson Bay Marlins still set for AFL finals after loss to Terrigal-Avoca Panthers

NELSON Bay Marlins AFL mens team are still living the dream in the 2026 Hunter Central Coast Black Diamond Senior Mens Cup competition.

They may have tasted defeat to rivals Terrigal Avoca Panthers last weekend at Hylton Moore Oval but the Marlins know they can mix it with the big guns in the end-of-season finals.

The powerful Panthers produced a seven-goal blitz in the final term to sink the Marlins 93-66 in an AFL classic on the Central Coast with vice-captain Harrison Pitt stamping his mark.

In a fine exhibition of kicking, the talented Pitt booted eight goals for the match to spearhead a gallant 27-point victory in an epic Cup encounter.

Nelson Bay dominated the first stanza and led 21-8 and 36-31 at the end of the half with strong performances from fullback Jason Carey, centre Hudson Roche, full forwards Billy Barton and Sam Carruthers, half forwards Jayden Baldwin-Rymer and Mitchell Hall and half back Adam Grant.

The Marlins were off-target with their kicking – landing eight goals and 18 behinds with rover Tim Anderson and Carruthers bagging two goals each with maximums from Hall, Barton, Roche and stalwart centre Wayd Blackburne.

Terrigal-Avoca produced a third-term revival, booting three goals to lead 51-50 at the end of the quarter before stunning the Marlins with a barnstorming finish.

Despite the loss, the Nelson Bay side remain entrenched in fourth spot on 28 points with seven victories from their 12 completed fixtures.

Unbeaten Newcastle City lead the competition on 48 points from second-ranked Killarney Vale Bombers (40 points) and third-placed Terrigal-Avoca (40 points).

Nelson Bay host the sixth-placed Cardiff Hawks this Saturday at Dick Burwell Oval at 2pm.

Meanwhile Terrigal-Avoca overpowered Nelson Bay 75-12 in the Senior Women’s Cup fixture with Scarlett Lack, Kaitlyn Mamotte, Jazlyn Stevens, Isabella Hol, Milla Gainsford and Olivia Feldman turning in strong games for the Marlins.

By Chris KARAS