Sport
29 May, 2026
2026 MCDFNL Football Round 8 Preview — Dunolly vs Navarre
Dunolly return home this weekend looking to build on some encouraging patches of form, but they face a difficult challenge against a Navarre side eager to respond after a heavy defeat to Talbot.
The Eagles are coming off a 51-point loss to Avoca, where they fought the game out strongly despite trailing for most of the afternoon.
Joel Fisher was a standout with four goals, while Mitchell Goodwin, Dylan Burt and Lachlan Watson all battled hard around the contest.
Dunolly showed some positive signs late in the game, kicking five goals in the final quarter, and they will be hoping to carry that attacking momentum into this week’s clash.
Navarre, meanwhile, are looking to rebound after suffering a disappointing 69-point loss to Talbot. The Grasshoppers were outplayed for much of the afternoon as the Hawks controlled the midfield battle and repeatedly exposed Navarre inside 50.
Aaron Slorach was the main threat up forward for Navarre with three goals, while Oliver Notting, Nick Birthisel and Bradley Slorach were among the better performers in a difficult day for the Grasshoppers.
Navarre will be desperate to respond after being held to just four goals, with the side likely to focus heavily on improving its ball movement and midfield pressure after struggling to contain Talbot’s transition game.
The midfield contest looms as crucial. Dunolly will rely heavily on Goodwin, McDonald and Morton to generate opportunities, while Navarre will look to players such as Riley Bibby, Jack Mentha and Sam Rickard to lift the intensity around stoppages and drive the ball forward.