Sport
14 August, 2026
2026 MCDFNL Round 18 Netball Preview — Trentham vs Maryborough Giants
Before they embark on a much-deserved finals return, Trentham must navigate past arguably the biggest casualty to their top eight qualification in the Maryborough Giants.
After two years of misfortune afflicted back-to-back ninth-placed finishes, Saturday’s 41-goal victory over Maldon must’ve been exhilarating for the Saints, booking their finals place with a dominant performance.
While Jessica Walker’s return provided a major boost to Trentham’s defensive third, the inclusion of Hannah Weier was equally pivotal, scoring 61 goals as a commanding attacking spearhead that also afforded Sharna Ford more freedom in the goal circle.
Following their tense round nine victory over Maldon, which kept them level on points with the top eight, the Maryborough Giants would’ve envisioned entering this weekend’s matchup with the opportunity to snatch a finals berth from Trentham’s clutches.
A series of close defeats to Harcourt and Dunolly, followed by hefty blowouts against Navarre and Carisbrook, doomed the Giants to their first missed A grade finals.
While finals are now out of the question, Maryborough will travel to Trentham Reserve determined to deliver a sliver of vengeance to the team that denied them a top eight place.
The Saints and Giants last faced off back in round five, where a stunning 52-goal performance from Lacey Broad powered Maryborough to a 59-29 victory. With Broad not available this weekend, midcourters Kayley Walhouse and Maddison Smith will look to get Laura McStravick and Bridget Allan on a roll early.