Sport
19 June, 2026
MCDFNL Round 10 Netball Preview Avoca vs Navarre
In one of the biggest games of the A grade season so far, emerging heavyweights Navarre will have their chance at dethroning the long-standing queens of the competition when they take on reigning premiers Avoca.
After their breakout 2025 campaign ended in elimination final heartbreak, the Grasshoppers have continued their rapid ascendancy into the competition’s upper echelon, currently boasting an eight-game win streak.
Their 40-goal victory over Lexton last round showcased how they’ve dominated their opposition in recent weeks, quickly transitioning turnovers caused by their first-class defence into opportunities for their equally elite shooting tandem.
Very few teams have showcased the promise Navarre has of knocking off one of A grade’s most dominant dynasties. Yet for over three years, the Bulldogs have vanquished all contenders, unbeaten in their last 60 games.
With both teams ranking inside the top three for goals scored and goals allowed, Saturday’s encounter will pit two of the league’s best shooting duos against two of the league’s best defensive units.
Navarre’s Zanaiya Bergen and Aliza Lockhart are currently averaging a staggering 72.3 goals a game this season, yet they will be challenged by Avoca’s Caitlin Drummond and Ella Patten, who have been exceptional since Patten joined the Bulldogs this season.
Despite the continued excellence of Maddy Egan and Gina Steel, the Grasshoppers will take confidence in the fact that they held the Bulldogs to their lowest score of 2025 during an encouraging 45-28 defeat.