Sport
15 July, 2025
Swans swoop past Redbacks by 29 goals
An outstanding offensive performance from Natte Bealiba was the catalyst for the Swans to register their third consecutive victory over Carisbrook with an impressive 76-47 win.
The game solidifies Natte’s position inside the top two, now eight points clear in second and four points behind Avoca.
After going the first eight rounds undefeated, the loss is the Redbacks’ third defeat in their last four matches, now pulled back into the race for double chance as they currently sit in fourth.
While the Redbacks’ only change to the team that defeated Trentham last week was to add versatile defender Chloe Egan, the Swans were without defender Bella Westbrook and omitted Macy Tatchell and Ashlee McClelland.
With two of the league’s top offences squaring off which includes three of the top-five shooters this season, goals began to fly in at CHS Broadbent Oval almost immediately.
A total of 35 goals were scored in the first 15 minutes, roughly one goal every 25 seconds, resulting in a frenziedly entertaining first quarter that ended with Natte up by five.
Swans player coach Emma Ryan led the way with 16 goals in the opening term, with Redbacks shooter Abbey Nalder not far behind with 13 goals of her own.
Ryan’s shooting partner Shannae Mills netted four while Nalder’s teammate Jordan McClure added two.
While both teams couldn’t keep up with the other-worldly pace set in the opening quarter, the hosts extended their advantage.
The midcourt tandem of Ella Tranter and Ebony Raven ensured the Swans consistently added to their lead, which stood at 10 at the end of the first half.
Despite limited experience as goal keeper this season, Maggie Tranter played well in the second quarter to hold Ryan to 13 goals in the period, while Mills went a perfect three for three.
With the usually dependable Nalder somewhat misfiring under the pressure of the Swans’ defence, McClure eased the pressure on Nalder by making all six of her shots in the second quarter.
As the Swans remained in control when play resumed for the second half, the Redbacks tried everything to try and wrestle back momentum, constantly shuffling their lineup looking for an opening.
However, Natte slammed the door shut before Carisbrook could create that opening, dominating the third quarter 20-8 to extend the margin to an insurmountable 22 goals at three-quarter time.
Even with the Redbacks frequently changing her marker, Mills was brilliant in the third period, draining her chances with seven goals and keeping defenders guessing with deceptive shot fakes and passes to Ryan who scored another 13 goals.
McClure and Nalder each scored four goals in the third period for Carisbrook.
Keen to create a psychological advantage ahead of finals, Natte remained aggressive in the final quarter, adding 20 goals in the last 15 minutes to complete a 29-goal win.
With 16 goals in the last term, Ryan finished as the game’s top scorer with 58 goals, heavily assisted by the presence of Mills who ended with 18 goals from just 20 shots after netting all four of her attempts in the last quarter.
McClure was just as efficient as Mills, scoring 20 goals including eight in the fourth quarter with only two misses for the match, while Nalder was the Redbacks leading scorer with 27.