Sport
1 May, 2026
2026 MCDFNL Netball Round 4 Preview — Harcourt vs Avoca
Already ascending to the top of the A grade table, Avoca looks to extend its advantage when they travel to the Lions’ den to take on an intrepid Harcourt.
Despite their 0-3 record, the Lions have shown great promise early in 2026, challenging contenders Talbot and Lexton throughout the first half.
The debut of Jarrenhy Webb provided a major boost against the Tigers last weekend, giving Harcourt flexibility with their shooters alongside Jordan Bagley and Ursula van Dyk.
With her ability to also do damage on the wings, van Dyk can also shift into the midcourt and support Morgan Howorth, Ella Rule and Zoe McLean.
After trailing by five goals at half time off the back of an excellent defensive performance by Laura Suckling and Carly Chaplin, the Lions tapered away in the second half, a worrying early-season trend Harcourt will want to buck as soon as possible.
That tendency can be especially worrying against the reigning premiers, who possess the destructive ability to build a significant advantage from a simple lapse in concentration.
Case in point was the Bulldogs’ 23-3 round three first quarter against Maldon, setting the stage for a cruisy 53-goal victory.
Avoca currently holds top spot on both the A grade and B grade ladder, with players like Paige Walkley, Ellie Meagher and Caitlin Sleeman able to seamlessly step up and contribute to their established dynastic core.
The Bulldogs entered the 2025 finals with a dominant display against the Lions, scoring 100 goals in a 75-goal blowout.