Round 5 Match Reports (2026)

The Senior men travelled to Kevin Bartlett Reserve to take on Richmond Central on a warm, sunny afternoon, looking to continue building momentum and put together a strong four-quarter performance.

The opening quarter was a tightly contested affair, with the Trobers showing plenty of intent early. Luke McGowan got La Trobe off to the perfect start, slotting the first goal of the match before Richmond Central responded with the next two of their own. The contest continued to ebb and flow, with Sean and Brandon Grech throwing themselves at the footy, straight-lining the ball and driving the Trobers forward with plenty of aggression. Elliot Stevenson added La Trobe’s second major of the day with a classy snap, but The Snakes managed to finish the term strongly with another two goals to take a 26–15 lead into quarter time.

Richmond Central began to gain the ascendancy in the second quarter, controlling territory and capitalising on opportunities to pile on four goals for the term. Ryan Cole provided a highlight for the Trobers, roving his own marking attempt before cleverly soccering through La Trobe’s only goal of the quarter. In defence, Luke Vaughan stood tall, showing great determination and using his laser-pointer right foot to move the ball with precision out of the backline. At the main break, the home team held a 53–24 advantage.

The third quarter threatened to get away from the Trobers as Richmond burst out of the blocks after halftime, kicking the opening three goals and stretching the margin. Looking in a spot of bother, La Trobe refused to go away and mounted an impressive response in the final 15 minutes of the term. Tirian Hillman, Ronan Carr and Jack Crowe all hit the scoreboard as the Trobers began to gain some much-needed momentum. Carr continued his recent strong form with plenty of run and carry, driving the ball deep inside the attacking 50 and sparking La Trobe’s resurgence. After Richmond’s quick start, the Trobers clawed the margin back to 29 points by the final break.

Brandon Grech ensured the Trobers started the last quarter with energy, kicking a brilliant running goal from deep range after weaving around multiple opponents in a moment of individual brilliance. The Snakes responded with two goals of their own, but Acting Captain Nathan Richardson was once again influential through the midfield with his ferocious attack on the ball at ground level. Coach Andy Castles added a goal for the Trobers, before Richmond scored another major late in the term. Luke McGowan kicked the final goal of the afternoon to finish with two for the day, but La Trobe ultimately went down 96–69 in a hard-fought contest.

While the result did not fall the Trobers’ way, there were encouraging signs throughout the second half, with the side showing resilience to fight back after Richmond’s fast start to the third term. La Trobe will take confidence into next weekend’s clash against Hawthorn on Tony Sheehan Oval as they look to put together a more complete team performance across all four quarters.

Unfortunately, talented first year player Cooper McPherson sustained a serious injury during the game and was stretchered from the ground and taken to hospital. Everyone a La Trobe wishes him a speedy recovery!