Sport
7 August, 2026
MCDFNL Round 17 Netball Preview — Dunolly vs Talbot
Deledio Reserve is set to host an intriguing battle of the birds as the Dunolly Eagles host the Talbot Hawks in a potential finals preview.
Talbot and Dunolly find themselves conjoined on the A grade ladder, level on points in sixth and seventh respectively while four points adrift of fifth-placed Lexton.
With the Tigers likely to preserve their four-point buffer when they play Campbells Creek this weekend, there’s a distinct probability the Eagles and Hawks could be elimination final foes in a fortnight’s time.
Adding to the excitement of Saturday’s encounter is that both teams possess a five-game winning streak, two sparkling runs of form powered by attacking excellence.
While Elenoa Costello has remained one of the competition’s best shooters, the Hawks have improved their support around their offensive figurehead, averaging 63.8 goals during their recent win streak.
With star prospect Charli Kaye excelling as starting goal attack, captain Loren Aquilina has returned to being Talbot’s key conductor in the midcourt, routinely providing stellar entry passes to Costello alongside the reliable Tina Wardlaw.
After finishing second last in goals scored in 2025, the midcourt creativity of Mel Schodde and Charlotte Liddicoat combined with the stellar shooting of Lara Clements and Hannah Kenny has elevated Dunolly to seventh in that category this season.
Talbot will turn towards Jane Dikini, Melissa Scott and Naomi Henderson to mark an Eagles attack fresh off scoring a season-high 66 goals against Campbells Creek, while Ashlee Lierich and Demcy Fraser will be given the tough task of defending Costello.