Sport
8 April, 2025
Grand final rematch sees Natte victory
Natte Bealiba got their premiership defence off to a dominating start, replicating their title-winning performance against Trentham with a 65-point victory.
TRENTHAM 8.10 (58) def by NATTE BEALIBA 19.9 (123)
Many spectators might have received a strong sense of deja vu at Trentham Reserve, as a commanding opening term allowed the Swans to soar past the Saints.
It was a cagey opening few minutes, with it taking seven minutes for the Swans to kick the opening goal, but from there the floodgates started to open for the visitors.
Similarly to last season’s grand final, the Swans managed to limit the Saints to two points while being unrelenting at the other end with 10 scoring shots.
The Swans put six of those chances through the big sticks, giving themselves a 38-point cushion at the end of the term.
Needing a big-time response, the Saints started to work themselves back into the contest, kicking their first four goals in the second quarter.
Despite the best efforts of the Saints’ defence, nothing stopped the potent Swans' attack at the other end. Their unselfish and decisive play led to many players getting on the scoresheet and a 49-point lead going into half-time.
After the free-flowing first half, the third quarter was a feisty affair with neither team giving up an inch.
Only five scoring shots were registered between the two teams, with the Swans two goals enough to extend their lead to 55 points.
With the game virtually signed and sealed, the Swans delivered a high-scoring final quarter, kicking five goals to the Saints' three to put an exclamation point on their 2025 season opener.
A remarkable 14 players scored a goal for the reigning premiers, with club veteran Emmet Smith leading the way with three goals.
Smith was also named in the Swans' best players alongside Austin McKenzie, Stephen Ross, Jai Howell, Aaron Hayes, and Kurt Mortlock.
For the Saints, Sam Kelly, Thomas Fuller, Alister Ferrier, Joel Dovaston, Brandon Jensen, and James Regan were listed as the team’s best players.