Sport
10 April, 2026
2026 MCDFNL Netball Round 1 Preview — Lexton vs Maryborough Giants
Among an exciting opening round of netballing actions, the Maryborough Giants’ trip to play Lexton will arguably be the most intriguing.
While both teams’ premiership ambitions last season were dashed at the semi-final stage, the Giants and Tigers travelled on unique paths to reach that point.
With another successful home and away campaign under their belt led by MDCA Team of the Year members Lacey Broad and Ruby Saunder, the Giants entered finals with the double chance, striving for a landmark first A grade finals victory in their history.
However, what transpired was a cruel twist of deja vu, losing a competitive qualifying final before being knocked out in straight sets by Talbot for the second year running.
Meanwhile, Lexton’s contending window looked to be closing last season after a shaky 5-6 start.
Thanks to a consistent defence anchored by Brodey McKay and Sarah Griffin, an abundance of midcourt depth led by club best and fairest Ciane Van Dyken and the triple-treat tandem of Leesa Donhardt, Kristy Hadler and Charlize Kennedy shooting the ball, the Tigers turned things around with a four-game winning streak.
With their late-season surge coming to an end against familiar foes Natte Bealiba, Lexton have retooled ahead of 2026, headlined by the arrival of decorated coach Cindy Teggerth.
While they have lost a lot of experience with Donhardt, Van Dyken and McKay all departing, the much-anticipated return of elite shooter Rachel Phelen and the additions of Shanae Hepworth and Eliza Bell should keep the Tigers in the league’s upper echelon.
Meanwhile, the Giants will attempt another finals push without the services of Broad and Saunder, a massive blow to an emerging team.
However, if any club has the depth to rebuild after losing two key pieces, the Giants are a very strong candidate, looking for players from last season’s 17 and under premiership side and their B grade squad that finished runner-up to step into the top division.