Sport
29 May, 2026
2026 MCDFNL Netball Round 8 Preview — Newstead vs Maldon
Maldon’s upcoming trip to Newstead pits two hungry teams determined to secure a highly important victory for different reasons.
Despite a cold start, Layla Benson-Zepnick, Jessica Currie and Brianna Jury powered a Steaders fightback against the Maryborough Giants, as the two finals hopefuls were unable to be separated at half time, tied 23-23.
Newstead continued to battle hard for a valuable four points, but the Giants eventually became overwhelming in the second half, outscoring the Steaders 27-16.
With Maryborough now leapfrogging them in the standings, Newstead knows they’ll need to pick up some victories in their next three games against Maldon, Harcourt and Campbells Creek before their four-point gap to the top eight becomes even wider.
The Steaders have the opportunity to emphatically rebound against a Bombers lineup also determined for a victory this weekend to solidify their internal improvement this year.
Even as they trailed by 52 goals at three-quarter time against Natte Bealiba, Maldon continued to take competitive strides, resulting in a brilliant fourth quarter.
With Claire Kelly, Charlotte Harrison and Rory Baker powering the midcourt and Sophie Zammit shooting like she was placing a golf ball into a hula hoop, the Bombers scored 14 goals in the final term, a performance they’ll attempt to replicate against Newstead on Saturday.
For them to execute, Maldon will need to maintain its refined ball security and controlled offensive tempo against a Benson-Zepnick, Laura Johnston and Amelia Britt led defence keen to punish any careless turnovers.