Sport
10 July, 2026
MCDFNL Round 13 Football Preview Natte Bealiba v Avoca
Natte Bealiba will be aiming to continue one of the competition’s best mid-season turnarounds when it hosts long-time rival Avoca at CHS Broadbent Oval on Saturday.
After starting the season without a win, the Swans have been one of the form teams of the MCDFNL, stringing together three wins in four matches to force their way into the finals spots.
Their latest success was an impressive 40-point win over Lexton, where they took control through a dominant second quarter before cruising to a 12.8.(80) to 6.4.(40) victory.
Jai Howell continues to lead the way for the Swans and was outstanding again with three goals against the Tigers.
He has received terrific support from Ryan Semmel, Kyen Burrill-Grinton, Aidan Medlyn, Anderson Pithie and Stephen Ross as Natte has built its resurgence on strong contested football and disciplined team defence.
Avoca, meanwhile, faces another difficult assignment after suffering a 70-point defeat to reigning premiers Trentham.
Despite the result, the Bulldogs continued to show plenty of determination, with Byron Wynd, Daniel Howell, Alexander Hay, Toby Beavis, Alexander Riches and Joel Howell all producing solid performances.
The midfield battle shapes as the key to the contest. Natte’s combination of Howell, Semmel and Medlyn has been instrumental during the Swans’ winning run, while Avoca will again rely heavily on Daniel Howell, Hay and Scott Cawthan to match them around the stoppages.