02/06/2026
Anyone else been hanging out for this read?!
Round 5 Merredin Colts vs Northam Barons – 23/5/2026
U13’s
The Colts travelled to Northam this week to take on the Barons, and from the opening bounce, it was clear the boys had come ready to play.
The first goal of the game came after a strong centre clearance from Jobe Walker, who drove the ball forward for Wes Smith to finish off the play and get the Colts on the scoreboard. Down back, Patterson Hayes-Thompson took a crucial mark under pressure, while Heath Greenham followed up with a strong intercept mark of his own to deny the Barons an early scoring opportunity. The Colts continued to move the ball well, with Wes delivering a beautiful kick to Dain Feild, who converted truly for another major.
The second quarter saw the midfield continue to dominate, working tirelessly to deliver the ball inside the forward 50. Patty O’Neill produced one of the highlights of the term, snapping cleverly from the boundary before delivering the ball to Jobe Walker, who finished off the play with the first goal of the quarter. Dain Feild then laid a ripper run-down tackle, proving those Indian file running drills might just be paying off. A brilliant passage of play between Patterson Hayes-Thompson, Rhys Askew and Rossy Hayden had the ball moving through the corridor with precision and purpose, much to the delight of teammates and supporters alike.
The third quarter belonged to Patty O’Neill, who wasted no time kicking the first two goals of the term. Jobe Walker continued to dominate the ruck contests, giving the midfield first use of the football, while Wes Smith and Logan Thompson applied relentless pressure around the ground. To their credit, the Barons lifted their intensity and began applying impressive man-on-man defence, earning plenty of encouragement from their supporters. Despite the increased pressure, the Colts remained composed. Royce White took a strong defensive mark inside the back 50, and Lincoln Keamy followed with a terrific intercept mark to ensure the Barons remained scoreless.
Coach Carr decided to mix things up in the final quarter, sending the forwards into the backline and giving the defenders an opportunity up forward. The changes did little to affect the Colts' discipline and structure. Young Thomas Billing produced a brilliant run-down tackle that had teammates cheering, while the team continued to play selfless and disciplined football.
One of the most impressive aspects of the game was the defensive effort. Coach Carr has clearly instilled discipline and accountability into this young group, and it was on full display as the backline stood tall, holding the Barons scoreless until the fourth minute of the final quarter.
The final siren capped off another outstanding team performance. With contributions coming from every player across the ground, selecting award winners would have been no easy task. Every one of these young Colts could have walked away with the chocolates after a performance built on teamwork, effort and discipline.
U16’s
Jonah Clarke led the side in his milestone 50th game as captain.
From the opening bounce, the game was played at a fierce intensity. Liam Askew tore up the midfield, providing drive and momentum around the stoppages, while Ashton Thompson got the Colts off to the perfect start by kicking the opening goal of the match. Both teams applied relentless pressure and refused to give an inch, resulting in a tight contest with just two points separating the sides at quarter time.
The second quarter was a battle of determination and resilience. Liam Askew added to his impressive performance with a classy snap from 35 metres out, while Aidy Cole showed plenty of toughness after copping a heavy knock to the guts, only to spring back to his feet moments later and dance around his opponent as if nothing had happened.
In defence, Elijah Sutherland stood tall, stopping a crucial Barons scoring opportunity before turning defence into attack with a brilliant run through the middle of the ground and a well-weighted kick to Judd Cooper. By half-time, neither side had been able to break away, with the scores locked together and the game finely poised.
The second half continued at the same frantic pace. Jaxon Bill provided one of the highlights of the day with a brilliant goal, while both teams continued to apply immense pressure around the contest.
Big Malakai McQuistan produced arguably the game of his life, dominating at centre clearances and taking several outstanding overhead marks. In the backline, Elijah Sutherland and Coby Saunders were immense under constant pressure, repeatedly repelling Barons’ attacks and keeping the Colts in the contest when it mattered most.
As the game tightened, Aidy once again found a way to make an impact, clearing the ball forward to Judd Cooper, who snapped a much-needed goal. Liam Askew then brought the crowd to life with a dazzling run that included two bounces before finishing with a beautiful snap-on goal that had teammates and supporters roaring their approval.
With the game hanging in the balance, the Colts dug deep and continued to work for one another. Their pressure, discipline and determination proved the difference as they held strong in the closing stages to secure a well-earned 47–37 victory.
A fitting result for captain Jonah Clarke in his 50th game, and another outstanding team performance from a Colts side that continues to grow in confidence every week.
Thanks to round sponsor Elders
