Sport
22 May, 2026
2026 MCDFNL Netball Round 7 Preview — Newstead vs Maryborough Giants
Two finals hopefuls will reach a critical juncture this weekend at Newstead Recreation Reserve as the Steaders take on the Maryborough Giants.
While both teams currently sit outside the top eight after a tough run of opening fixtures, victories over Dunolly and Trentham respectively have placed them within touching distance of the elusive finals places.
Coincidentally, Newstead and Maryborough faced the same opponent in their last match, encountering similar problems when opposing Natte Bealiba. The Swans held the Steaders to 16 goals a fortnight ago, a sample of a promising yet misfiring attacking unit that currently ranks last in goals scored.
With their round six bye providing extra time for Newstead to refine their attacking game plan, midcourters Jessica Currie and Caitlan Bird will hope to build up the confidence of shooters Emily Cooper and Brianna Jury this weekend with some early chances at goal.
The Giants’ offence faired noticeably better against Natte compared to their upcoming opponents, netting 12 in a back-and-forth first quarter. However, the Giants were unable to harness that impressive opening term into a competitive showing throughout, outscored 66-21 in the remaining three quarters.
As they prepare to go up against talented defenders like Layla Benson-Zepnick and Amelia Britt, Maryborough’s abundance of midcourt depth will be crucial in their search for a decisive edge on Saturday.
Alisha Hovey, Maddison Smith, Jessie Tolson and Kayley Walhouse are all capable of impacting the game, giving the Steaders an interesting conundrum to navigate.