Sport
14 April, 2026
Grasshoppers defeat Swans in exciting opener
The Navarre Grasshoppers claimed the Hannett-Ross Shield with an 11-point victory over Natte Bealiba in the season opener where both sides were missing key personnel.
Natte Bealiba were without star recruit Ryan Semmell and Trent Mortlock, while Will Holt was sidelined through injury.
Navarre also had notable absences, missing key defender Jayden Fowkes and Sam Rickard.
Played in blustery, cross-ground winds, the game began as a low-scoring contest, with Navarre controlling the early stages.
The Grasshoppers opened the scoring just three minutes in, when Nick Birthisel delivered long to Riley Bibby, who marked strongly on the lead and converted.
Natte Bealiba responded midway through the term, as Jai Howell burst through a pack and snapped truly on his left to level the scores.
However, Navarre regained the advantage before quarter time when Joseph Lehmann gathered a loose ball from a marking contest and goaled, giving the visitors a seven-point lead at the first break.
Navarre dominated much of the second quarter, piling on three consecutive goals through Bibby, Daniel Reading and Aaron Slorach, whose running snap extended the margin to 25 points at the 15-minute mark.
The Grasshoppers appeared in control, but Natte Bealiba rallied late. Emmett Smith converted from a strong lead, before Levi King added two quick goals to reduce the deficit to just nine points at half time.
The Swans suffered a major setback late in the term, with vice-captain Howell leaving the ground with a dislocated right shoulder.
The third quarter was an even contest. Natte Bealiba struck first through Quinton Cane after clever work from Smith and Jordy Fraser.
Navarre responded quickly through Jack Mentha, before Kye Grinton put the Swans within four points with a goal on the run.
Navarre regained momentum when Reading chipped the ball forward to Brady Tillig, who snapped truly from a tight angle.
Smith continued his strong performance, snapping another goal to bring the margin back to just four points at the final change.
Goals were scarce in the last quarter, but Navarre made the early breakthrough when Angus Bade found the first major just two minutes in.
The contest tightened, but a crucial goal from Bibby at the 13-minute mark stretched the lead to 17 points, effectively sealing the result.
Etha Ross added a late goal for Natte Bealiba, but the outcome was already beyond doubt.
Navarre’s standout performers included Angus Bade, Bibby (three goals), Harry Schroder, Sam Walker, Mentha, and Darcy Claughton.
For Natte Bealiba, Daniel Vadala was outstanding across half-back, while Smith impressed up forward. Other strong contributors included Anderson Pithie, Nathan Holt, Stephen Ross and Will Jardine.
