Sport
10 April, 2026
2026 MCDFNL Netball Round 1 Preview — Newstead vs Avoca
The Avoca Bulldogs’ four-peat challenge will begin with a tricky away trip to Newstead Recreation Reserve to take on the Steaders.
A new year marks the same goal for one of the MCDFNL’s premier dynasties, ending September by retaining their spot on the competition’s throne.
Only one key cog of Avoca’s trifecta clinching side from last season won’t be returning in 2026, but it’s arguably its most valuable in star midcourter Faith McKenzie.
While the likes of Carisbrook import Ella Patten and rising star Paige Walkley will have the opportunity to fill the massive McKenzie hole in the midcourt, the Bulldogs’ established lineups in the other two ends look to once again dominate their competition.
Shooters Maddy Egan and Gina Steel were both named in the MCDFNL’s Team of the Year in 2025, a tandem that’s allowed the Bulldogs to finish in the top two for goals scored over the past four seasons.
Joining Egan and Steel in the aforementioned Team of the Year was Keisha Tonzing, who’s one-half of a defensive juggernaut alongside former Grand Final Best on Court winner Caitlin Drummond.
Fresh off making the top eight in back-to-back seasons, Newstead will strive to once again be among the teams hoping to conquer the Avoca castle come September.
With the return of midcourter Caitlan Bird and the arrival of Amelia Britt and Kellie McKenzie, Newstead will be looking to experiment with how the trio works best alongside Jess Currie, Brianna Jury and Emily Cooper, with their season opener a unique opportunity to see what works against the league’s elite.
The Steaders were quite competitive at home in their only meeting against the eventual champions last season, trailing 26-20 at halftime before the Bulldogs accelerated away with a 19-7 fourth quarter.