Sport
17 April, 2026
2026 MCDFNL Netball Round 2 Preview — Navarre vs Newstead
Navarre and Newstead will attempt to bounce back quickly from a round one defeat at the other’s expense when these two finals hopefuls collide at Navarre Sports Complex.
While both teams suffered the same result, the Grasshoppers and Steaders will have very different takeaways from their first match in 2026.
For Navarre, losing a game by a narrow margin like six goals is always going to sting, but when that game is against one of the competition’s heavyweights in Natte Bealiba, it’s an encouraging sign of what’s possible.
After constant offensive struggles limited their finals potential last season, Zanaiya Bergen and Aliza Lockhart kept pace with the Swans’ elite offence throughout round one in their debuts for the Grasshoppers.
Navarre’s new attacking personnel haven’t affected their outstanding defence either, with Jess Parry and Jade Allen outstanding last Saturday.
While the Grasshoppers were inches away from a statement victory, Newstead were dominated in their season opener by reigning premiers Avoca.
The pristine accuracy of Bulldogs player-coach Maddy Egan didn’t assist the final scoreline from Newstead’s perspective, but the 43-goal defeat is still a wake-up call for a team that has finals aspirations.
There were still some positives to come out of round one. Emily Cooper seems to be a great compatriot for Brianna Jury in the goal circle and Indiana Ramsey could be the beginning of a wave of emerging netballers who get a chance in A grade this season.
These two teams were very evenly matched last season, resulting in two cracking games of netball. Newstead avenged their three-goal round one defeat by overcoming Navarre 41-35 in round 14.