Sport
31 July, 2026
MCDFNL Round 16 Netball Preview — Navarre vs Maryborough Giants
Navarre will look to refine their craft ahead of finals when they face a Maryborough Giants outfit with plenty to prove.
Navarre and Natte Bealiba sit tied for points in second and third position on the ladder in what will likely become a race to see who, if anyone, can dethrone a reigning Avoca side.
Saturday’s matchup with the Giants presents an opportunity for Navarre to push itself and try new strategies come finals time.
For the Giants, Saturday’s game is a chance at redemption for a side that’s struggled to leave its mark — winning just four of their games.
Navarre come hurtling into Saturday’s clash off the back of a four-game winning streak, with their agonisingly close 10-goal loss to Avoca in round 10 still fresh in their minds.
It’s a missed opportunity they’re unlikely to forget, with the Giants likely to be a sharpening wedge for Navarre on their warpath to finals.
The Grasshoppers’ Zanaiya Bergen continues to strike gold in the offensive third, successfully finding goals a staggering 570 times in season 2026, a statistic the side will no doubt look to further develop.
It’ll fall to Maryborough’s Riahni Egan and Jorgia Brown to close her out, with support from midcourters Macey Parry, Maddison Smith and Kayley Walhouse.
The Giants’ shooting performance has proved consistent throughout the season, something the side will look to build upon come Saturday.
Navarre enter the game as clear favourites, however Maryborough still has plenty to offer and shouldn’t be discounted as an outside chance, particularly if they’re able to capitalise on any Navarre mistakes.