Sport
30 June, 2026
Natte draws level with top eight after 52-point win
Natte Bealiba emphatically returned to the winners’ list on Saturday, producing one of its most complete performances of the season with a 52-point victory over Dunolly at CHS Broadbent Oval.
The Swans set the tone from the opening bounce, kicking seven first-quarter goals while restricting the Eagles to just a single major to establish a commanding 35-point lead at the first break.
Jai Howell was instrumental early through the midfield, while Ryan Semmel and Kyen Burrill-Grinton immediately looked dangerous inside 50.
Dunolly steadied in the second quarter and managed to match the Swans more closely, but Natte Bealiba still extended its advantage to 47 points by half time.
Semmel continued to provide a focal point up forward, with Jake Postle and Aidan Medlyn driving the ball into attack, while the Swans’ pressure denied the visitors any sustained momentum.
The Eagles produced their best football after the main break, winning the third quarter with 20 points to reduce the deficit.
Joel Fisher worked tirelessly, while Bailey Morton, Jay McDonald and Lachlan Tranter all lifted to help Dunolly gain some ascendancy.
However, the margin was still 34 points at the final change, leaving the visitors with plenty to do.
Any thoughts of a Dunolly comeback were quickly extinguished as Natte Bealiba dominated the final term.
The Swans slammed on five goals to two to finish the afternoon strongly, with Semmel adding to his tally and the midfield continuing to provide quality delivery inside 50.
Their ability to convert opportunities was a feature throughout the day, finishing with an accurate 16.5.
Semmel ended with five goals in an outstanding display, while Howell, Medlyn, Postle, Thomas Ross, Burrill-Grinton and Kurt Mortlock were all influential contributors in one of the Swans’ best performances of the season.
For Dunolly, Morton battled hard all afternoon and was well supported by McDonald, Tranter, Fisher, Ryan Burt and Corey Parker, but the Eagles were unable to match the Swans’ intensity and ball movement for four quarters.