Sport
17 April, 2026
2026 MCDFNL Netball Round 2 Preview — Carisbrook vs Natte Bealiba
Two of the MCDFNL’s most premier netball programs this century will once again collide in what should be another exciting encounter as Carisbrook hosts Natte Bealiba.
In the last chapter of this pivotal recent rivalry, a brilliant defensive performance allowed the Redbacks to overcome the Swans in a riveting 55-48 qualifying final.
Despite that result, neither team advanced past the preliminary final stage, a disheartening exit for two teams that showcased premiership potential in 2025.
With expectations of contention unchanged over the offseason, both sides are fresh off hard-fought victories against Trentham and Navarre respectively.
Even in treacherous conditions, the Saints did a tremendous job holding the Redbacks to 25 goals during the first three quarters.
However, with the defence-splitting talents of midcourters Katie Bilton and Laura Hurse as well as the shooting prowess of Abbey Nalder and Jordan McClure, Carisbrook are a constant threat to accelerate from their opponents, which they did with 15 fourth-quarter goals.
Arriving as the latest addition to the Redbacks web, Charlotte Cain fortified an already accomplished defence that allowed 25 goals in their season-opener.
They will have to be at their best against a Swans offence led by Emma Ryan, who scored 43 goals in Natte’s narrow six-goal victory over Navarre last weekend.
In the aforementioned qualifying final, the Redbacks were able to limit Ryan’s impact by constantly draping two defenders on the 2025 leading goal scorer.
That game plan may need some tweaks thanks to the return of Sian Mortlock, who’s a reliable shooter in her own right.
Former Nalder Tracey trophy winner Naomi Medlyn also starred back in red and white, already creating a formidable defensive tandem with Ellie Martin.