Sport
24 April, 2026
2026 MCDFNL Netball Round 3 Preview — Talbot vs Carisbrook
Following a disappointing performance against Natte Bealiba, Carisbrook will hope to get back to winning ways against the team that denied them an opportunity at the 2025 premiership in Talbot.
While there is no shame in coming short against the powerhouse Swans, the Redbacks would’ve liked to have put up more of a fight, trailing by 35 goals at three-quarter time to a team they defeated in last season’s qualifying final.
In all fairness, the Redbacks were able to recover from a similarly convincing defeat to Natte during the 2025 regular season before vanquishing their foes on the biggest stage, but they would like to come out of a brutal opening schedule with some strong foundations for another premiership push.
In the midst of a difficult defeat, something seemed to click for Carisbrook in the fourth quarter, with Charlotte Cain moving into wing attack while the likes of Finley Wagstaff, Elise Mottram and Jade Richardson filled in her defensive duties.
Meanwhile, the Hawks have overcome some slow starts against Harcourt and Campbells Creek by turning into a wrecking ball during the second half, outscoring their opponents 79-19 in the third and fourth quarters during their opening two matches.
Alongside their high-powered offence led by Elenoa Costello and Eleisha Phelps, Talbot has remained an elite defensive team, with Melissa Scott, Maddy Williams, and even Loren Aquilina in the midcourt all able to kickstart game-changing runs with their interventions. Those interventions played a crucial role in the Hawks advancing to last season’s Grand Final at Carisbrook’s expense.