Sport
30 June, 2026
Swans stay undefeated with 32-goal win over Eagles
Natte Bealiba has scored a perfect 10 to open their 2026 campaign, moving to 10-0 after an impressive 32-goal victory over Dunolly.
While it wasn’t as comfortable as their 107-31 win over the Eagles last season, the Swans produced a complete four-quarter performance to preserve their place atop the A grade ladder.
The defeat places the Eagles’ finals spot in imminent danger, dropping to eighth and now level on points with the ninth-placed Maryborough Giants.
With key defender Teagan Hovey unavailable and emerging shooter Stevie Collins coming into the side for Chloe Goodwin, Dunolly player-coach and leading scorer Lara Clements elected to start at goal defence alongside Ashlee Lierich as the Eagles looked to apply early pressure on Natte’s offence.
However, the Swans, who were unchanged from their 21-goal triumph over Talbot, quickly snatched the lead and accelerated into a commanding position.
The midcourt quartet of Ella Tranter, Ebony Raven, Darci Rodgers and Chloe Ross was carving through Dunolly’s defensive structure with their passing and movement, allowing Chelsea Ross and Sian Mortlock to have early sights at goal.
Ruby Lang, Charlotte Liddicoat and Mel Schodde were also driving the ball down the court for Dunolly, but the defensive tandem of Ellie Martin and Naomi Medlyn ensured the Eagles struggled to get the ball into their attacking goal circle.
As the Swans continued to build upon their eight-goal quarter time advantage with their swarming full-court defence, Clements was moved back into goal attack midway through the second quarter.
While her goal defence replacement, Mia Schodde, played a key role alongside Lang and Lierich in containing the Swans’ offence, Dunolly was unable to create the attacking spark they desperately needed.
After holding the Eagles to five goals in the second quarter, Natte finished the first half leading 29-13.
Following a short stint off the bench at the end of the second term, Eve Mortlock flourished as Natte’s primary scoring option during the third quarter, positioning brilliantly for Tranter and Raven to find her under the ring.
After retaking the goal attack bib at half time, the sharpshooting of Collins provided a bright spot for the Eagles as they entered three-quarter time trailing by 25 goals.
With Collins partnering Clements in defence for the fourth quarter behind Dunolly’s hard-working midcourt, the visitors continued to challenge Natte until the final whistle, yet the Swans remained ruthless as they completed their 10th consecutive victory.
Mortlock sisters Sian and Eve combined to score 44 goals in Saturday’s commanding victory alongside Chelsea Ross, who netted 12 goals in the first half.
Hannah Kenny top-scored for the Eagles with 16 goals, while Stevie Collins converted seven of her nine shots at goal and Mia Schodde added one in the fourth quarter.