Sport
19 June, 2026
MCDFNL Round 10 Netball Preview Natte Bealiba vs Talbot
With their unsavoury losing rut now in the rear-view mirror, the Talbot Hawks will look to soar up the A grade ladder by completing something no team has done in 2026 — defeat ladder-leaders Natte Bealiba.
Round nine felt like a watershed moment for last season’s runner-up, holding onto a half-time lead to defeat finals contenders Trentham 35-27.
Star shooter Elenoa Costello provided the reliable scoring the Hawks sorely missed in her one-game absence, making 33 of her 36 attempts on Saturday.
While the Hawks have been hampered by offensive inconsistency during the past two months, the defensive triumvirate of Melissa Scott, Maddy Williams and Jane Dikini has remained one of the top units in the competition, denying a late Saints comeback with some sensational stops.
Talbot’s defence will be a compelling challenge for Natte’s Sian Mortlock and Chelsea Ross, who scored 77 goals against Campbells Creek to lift the undefeated Swans into first on the ladder.
Even with 2025 Maryborough Advertiser Player of the Year Emma Ryan sidelined, Natte possesses one of the league’s deadliest attacks, ranking third in goals scored with an impressive average of 71.75 goals a game.
With Talbot, Dunolly, Lexton and Avoca in their next four matches, Natte’s upcoming run will provide them with valuable insight into how their attack fares against quality opposition without Ryan.
Midcourters Ella Tranter, Chloe Ross and Ebony Raven have been crucial to the Swans preserving their elite scoring rate, a talented trio Talbot needs to defend expertly if they want to claim a vibrant victory.