Sport
26 June, 2026
MCDFNL Round 11 Netball Preview Talbot vs Newstead
For the first time since last season’s highly entertaining elimination final, Talbot and Newstead will square off in another major matchup.
Like that do-or-die decider, where an outstanding 37-17 first half powered Talbot past Newstead, Saturday’s encounter will have immediate ramifications for the Hawks and Steaders, currently key players in a congested race for the top eight.
Thanks to their 22-goal victory over Campbells Creek and Talbot losing to Natte Bealiba, the Steaders are now level on points with the Hawks, who currently hold the last finals spot due to their superior percentage.
Despite their sixth defeat in seven matches, Talbot have plenty of positives to take into Saturday’s pivotal encounter after challenging ladder-leaders Natte Bealiba. Teenager Charli Kaye brought a much-needed offensive jolt in the second half, providing a scoring touch that freed Elenoa Costello away from the Swans’ hounding defence.
With Loren Aquilina also making an immediate impact on Talbot’s midcourt once she returned to playing centre, the Hawks could be emboldened to start Kaye at goal attack against Newstead’s Layla Benson-Zepnick, Caitlan Bird and Amelia Britt.
After Newstead allowed a combined 163 goals in their first two games, the killer B’s have orchestrated a defensive turnaround, conceding 40 goals or fewer in five of their last seven games.
Shooters Brianna Jury and Emily Cooper were also in fine form during Newstead’s round 10 victory over the Magpies, combining for a season-high 57 goals.