Sport
8 May, 2026
2026 MCDFNL Netball Round 5 Preview — Navarre vs Harcourt
The Navarre Grasshoppers will look to add another impressive victory to their resume when they welcome the travelling Harcourt Lions.
With three consecutive wins by margins of 80, 46 and 68, it’s safe to say Navarre is on a sensational run of form as they look to build upon their exciting yet unfulfilled finals return last season.
While their persistent defence which ranked third behind Avoca and Carisbrook in points allowed in 2025 remains, the Grasshoppers will be especially excited by the play of new shooters Zanaiya Bergen and Aliza Lockhart.
The recruited shooters have converted a mammoth 303 shots in their first four games, a mark only surpassed by the three-peat Bulldogs.
Despite Bergen leading the way with 186 makes, Lockhart has arguably been even more influential, scoring 117 at a valuable shooting percentage.
Similar to their round five opponents, Harcourt’s off-season additions have also made an immediate impact on a rebuilding team that’s had bright moments against the league’s elite.
Not only has Laura Suckling brought her incredible instincts and positioning to the heart of the Lions’ defence, but her arrival has allowed defensive standout Morgan Howorth to shift into the midcourt alongside Ella Rule.
Those alterations have transformed a defensive unit that ranked in the bottom four for goals allowed last season into a tricky matchup for any team.
Fellow recruit Jarrenhy Webb looks to be a solid complement for Jordan Bagley in the attacking goal circle, a new pairing that hopes to fire against Navarre.