Sport
17 July, 2026
MCDFNL Round 14 Netball Preview — Maryborough vs Lexton
With their finals aspirations hanging on by a thread, the Maryborough Giants will be desperate to cause an upset when they welcome Lexton to the Maryborough Netball Association.
While last weekend’s six-goal defeat to Dunolly was certainly a roadblock on Maryborough’s road to finals, it shouldn’t discredit their promising performance.
The Giants produced some spectacular passing passages against the Eagles, with Riahni Egan, Macey Parry, Jessie Tolson and Kayley Walhouse helping Maryborough transition through the midcourt at rapid speeds during the second and third quarters.
Reliable shooter Laura McStravick was also a standout, scoring 22 of her 28 attempts on goal alongside Rebecca Dewhirst and Bridget Allan, who threw some excellent entry passes.
Consistent offensive synergy and full-court defensive pressure will be the key areas Maryborough will strive to improve upon during their first meeting with the Tigers since their back-and-forth season opener. After a tense first half, Lexton commanded the third and fourth quarters, opening 2026 with a 50-35 victory.
The Tigers produced a similar tale last weekend against Newstead, expanding their slim five-goal half time lead to an insurmountable 21 goals 15 minutes later after a monster third term from Charlize Kennedy and Rachel Phelan.
While rising star Kennedy leads with 349 goals, Phelan, who helped the Tigers to their first MCDFNL A grade premiership back in 2012, remains a vital cog to Lexton’s potent attack 14 years later, providing valuable experience and brilliant distribution of the netball.