Sport
3 June, 2025
Natte take 20-goal victory over quick starting Campbells Creek
Natte Bealiba was forced to work hard early at CHS Broadbent Oval but eventually disposed of Campbells Creek by 133 points.
Fresh off his seven-goal performance against Lexton last week, Natte coach Trent Mortlock was again in seventh heaven with another bag of seven on Saturday, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the reigning premiers.
After kicking three goals in the first quarter against Trentham, the Magpies had their beaks up to start the contest, applying wonderful pressure on the ball and producing some run-and-carry opportunities which attacked the Swans defence.
After Zac Polinelli opened the scoring with a goal for the Swans, Jamie Benbow responded with a beautiful snap in the pocket to get the goal back for the Magpies.
The hosts started to find some space on the wings late in the first quarter, but couldn’t quite turn it into some domination on the scoreboard, forced to settle for an 11-point lead at quarter time.
That started to change in the second quarter as they effectively trapped the ball in their half throughout the term.
The Swans’ constant possession resulted in 12 scoring shots, with seven converted into majors, helping the hosts build a 57-point buffer over the Magpies at half time.
Determined to make the most of their first quarter performance, Campbells Creek found a new lease on life to start the second half, kicking two goals in the third quarter.
Despite the Magpies’ resolve, the Swans piled on the points, with the likes of Mortlock, Jordi Cossar and Jayden Templeton getting in on the act to help Natte lead by 81 points at three quarter time.
Even with the game virtually signed, sealed and delivered, the Swans didn’t let up in the fourth quarter, kicking nine goals to one in the last term to finish the contest.
Mortlock continues to be on fire for the Swans, named among the best players for the fifth consecutive week along with Stephen Ross, Templeton, Cossar, Kurt Mortlock and Brad Power.
Complementing Mortlock’s scorching form in front of goal was Templeton, who finished with five goals as well as Polinelli and Cossar who kicked four and three goals respectively.
The final margin doesn’t reflect how competitive Campbells Creek was on Saturday, with goal scorer Dylan Stevens, Thomas Langley, Mitchell Langley, Billie Dunne, Nicholas O’Brien and Harley Melrose named the best players.
Harrison Barnes was the danger man up forward for the Magpies, kicking two goals.