Sport
3 July, 2026
MCDFNL Round 12 Netball Preview Navarre v Carisbrook
In a contest pitting one of the competition’s most established contenders against a re-emerging powerhouse, Carisbrook will travel to Navarre Sports Complex to take on the Grasshoppers.
While both teams were eventually unsuccessful at breaking Avoca’s historic unbeaten streak in their last outing, their performances against the reigning premiers prove there are an abundance of worthy challengers to the Bulldogs’ crown.
Even with star defender Jess Parry unavailable, Jade Allen and Grace Long did an excellent job limiting the Bulldogs to 13 goals in the first quarter.
Despite some atypical inefficiency early, midcourters Sidney Dyer and Brooke Currie ensured Zanaiya Bergen and Aliza Lockhart found their shooting stride as the Grasshoppers stayed within a goal at half time before Avoca accelerated away.
The Redbacks fell into similar pitfalls as Navarre the following week. While the defensive trio of Finley Wagstaff, Elise Mottram and Lauren Jones had Carisbrook in a promising position at half time, Avoca managed to create a gap in the third term before a typically clinical fourth quarter.
As both teams attempt to vanquish a fellow heavyweight this Saturday, the battle between two of the competition’s most talented midcourts will be pivotal.
The arrival of Currie this season has provided the Grasshoppers midcourt an attacking spice alongside game-changers Dyer and Amber Perry. Charlotte Cain has been similarly impactful for Carisbrook’s midcourt led by Katie Bilton, an excellent passer with remarkable defensive instincts.