Sport
29 May, 2026
2026 MCDFNL Netball Round 8 Preview — Dunolly vs Navarre
After being A grade surprise package last season, Navarre has emerged as one of the most dangerous teams in the competition in 2026, keen to amplify that reputation against this year’s wildcard in Dunolly.
Even after upsetting Lexton the week prior, very few could’ve predicted how well the Eagles faired against Avoca last Saturday.
With Ashlee Lierich typically terrific patrolling the defensive goal circle, Ruby Lang, Mel Schodde and Charlotte Liddicoat thriving in the midcourt and Hannah Kenny and Lara Clements shooting superbly, Dunolly trailed the three-peat champions by just four goals at half time. As quickly as the faintest conjecture of a historic upset formulated, the Bulldogs barked that out of existence by outscoring the Eagles 42-14 in the second half.
While Dunolly could be disheartened by seeing their incredible first half turn into a comfortable Avoca victory, Saturday’s defeat is a valuable lesson for a team keen to turn their unexpected start into a serious finals push.
The Eagles will have the opportunity to showcase their learnings immediately versus a Navarre squad that recently earned its biggest win of the season against Talbot.
Up against their biggest test since their season-opener against Natte Bealiba, the Grasshoppers passed with flying colours, cementing a lead midway through the first quarter and never relinquishing it.
Something that will be paramount to Dunolly’s game plan is how they contend to slow down Navarre’s destructive transition, after Sidney Dyer, Amber Perry and Brooke Currie turned countless Talbot turnovers into golden chances for elite shooters Aliza Lockhart and Zanaiya Bergen.