This weekend marks a special milestone for one of Terang Mortlake’s most respected and admired players, with Jarryd Hay set to play his 200th senior game. A tough, unrelenting competitor, Hay has been a cornerstone of the Bloods’ line-up for more than a decade. The former skipper has built a reputation as a consistent, team-first player who leads by example. In recent years, he has battled through injury setbacks, but his return to the field this season has been a welcome boost for both his teammates and supporters. Few embody the Bloods’ hard-working culture quite like Hay, and Saturday will be a fitting celebration of his contribution to the club.
In other exciting news, South Warrnambool football export Maggie Johnstone is edging ever closer to an AFLW opportunity. This week, she was named in the U18 National All Australian Team — a prestigious honour that reflects her outstanding 2025 campaign with the GWV Rebels. Johnstone’s form this year has been nothing short of exceptional, showcasing her athleticism, skill, and football smarts. With her trajectory pointing steeply upwards, the hope locally is that AFLW coaches Mat Buck and Natalie Wood — both with Hampden League connections — will take a close look at her for the 2026 season.
On the field this weekend, the fight for finals spots continues to heat up. Portland and Terang Mortlake both face crucial matches as they jostle for a place in the top five. For the Bloods, the return of the “Kain Train” — star forward Will Kain — for the final three rounds could not be better timed. His presence will add a potent edge to their forward line as they host a must-win clash.
Portland, meanwhile, face an equally significant test when they welcome one of the league’s form teams, Camperdown. The Magpies have been flying in recent weeks, and the Tigers will need to bring their trademark pressure and contested work to secure the points. With wet and windy conditions forecast, this round looms as a war of attrition, where hunger, discipline, and execution will decide the result.
