Sport
23 June, 2026
Natte stay undefeated with victory over Hawks
Natte Bealiba were gliding on cloud nine on Saturday, improving their record to 9-0 after overpowering the Talbot Hawks by 21 goals.
Facing the toughest challenge of their young A grade careers, emerging shooters Chelsea Ross and Eve Mortlock showcased immense composure, combining to score 33 of their 42 attempts on goal as the Swans carried another strong start into a comfortable victory.
The Hawks showed noticeable improvement against the undefeated Swans, particularly in attack, yet remain on the top eight bubble ahead of a crucial clash with Newstead this weekend.
After being rested in Natte’s round nine clash against Campbells Creek, midcourt superstar Ella Tranter helped set the tone immediately in the midcourt.
Following her impressive showing in Tranter’s place the week prior, Darci Rodgers was given the nod to start at wing defence, amplifying the Swans’ defensive pressure all across the court that shackled Talbot into a gridlock.
Meanwhile, Tranter and Chloe Ross were finding Chelsea Ross and Sian Mortlock in the goal circle, combining for 16 goals in the opening term to give the hosts a seven-goal lead at quarter time.
Following the break, Tina Wardlaw and Portia Hughes began to overcome Natte’s suffocating midcourt pressure and drive Talbot down the court.
However, with Naomi Medlyn and Ellie Martin focusing heavily on denying top-tier shooter Elenoa Costello the netball, and Loren Aquilina unable to recapture her recent shooting form, the Hawks’ attack remained stagnant.
Melissa Scott, Jane Dikini and Maddy Williams did their best to keep the visitors within touching distance, yet Chelsea Ross and Sian Mortlock remained mostly unfased by their resistance as the Swans increased Talbot’s deficit to 11 goals.
The Hawks made an array of changes at half time as they looked to turn their promising spells into a more prolonged challenge.
After the Hawks were held to 19 goals in the first half, rising star Charli Kaye was handed the goal attack bib to give Talbot an x-factor off the bench and free Aquilina to play centre.
Following a short second-quarter stint, Naomi Henderson started the second half at wing defence, giving the Hawks flexibility to shift defensive matchups between Dikini, Scott and Williams.
Similar to her Natte counterparts, Kaye showcased the assurance of someone who’s spent a decade at the A grade level.
The teenager was immediately finding the bottom of the net, forcing Medlyn and Martin to divert some of their attention away from Costello, who immediately flourished with more room to roam in the goal circle.
Yet Talbot’s found themselves helpless as the Swans only extended their deficit thanks to their deadly precision and robotically accurate decision-making.
Eve Mortlock hit the ground running after coming off the bench, joining her sister Sian in the goal circle midway through the third term, helping Natte expand their lead to 15 goals.
After the sisters combined for 14 goals in the fourth quarter, Sian Mortlock ended with 29 goals alongside Eve’s 12 goals to complete Natte’s flawless victory.
Chelsea Ross continues to amaze in her inaugural A grade campaign, finishing Saturday with 21 goals.
While the constant surveillance of Medlyn and Martin limited her touches in the first half, Costello still ended with a game-high tally of 34 goals, combining well with Kaye, who scored six of seven attempts in the second half. Aquilina also added one for the Hawks.