Sport
22 May, 2026
2026 MCDFNL Football Round 7 Preview — Maldon v Natte Bealiba
In a rematch of last season’s hard-fought elimination final, Natte Bealiba travels to Maldon in a match both teams are desperate to win.
Things have taken a noticeable turn for the Bombers and Swans after their finals appearances last season, with both teams dangling in the league’s bottom four.
While every team has its peaks and valleys, Natte Bealiba’s tumultuous 0-5 start is uncharted waters for a club that’s never lost more than six games since joining the MCDFNL back in 2011.
Whether it’s the loss of several key players like Aaron Hayes, Toby Beavis, Bailey Cossar and Austin McKenzie, a string of unfortunate injuries, untimely miscues, or their challenging schedule to open their campaign, plenty of factors could be blamed for Natte’s current record. However, senior coach Denis Grinton has expressed optimism that the playing group can quickly turn things around, keen to see improvements around the contest and in their clinicalness this weekend.
While the Swans remain the only winless team in the competition, the Bombers arguably have more to prove in round seven following their 188-point defeat to Trentham.
After starting their season with two gruelling victories, Maldon’s form has fallen off a cliff, losing to three teams they hope to contend with in finals by over 100 points.
This group has shown a resounding ability to rebound from a disappointing start, rallying late last year with four wins in their last six matches to surge into the finals. However, the Bombers will want to start that turnaround as soon as possible.