Sport
17 July, 2026
MCDFNL Round 14 Netball Preview — Harcourt vs Talbot
Over the past month, Harcourt and Talbot have been two of the hottest teams in the A grade competition, setting the stage for a potentially scorching clash this Saturday.
After starting 2026 with a slightly tense 62-29 victory over the Lions, Talbot found themselves on the fringes of the top eight following a five-game losing skid against quality opposition.
However, as quickly as their early downfall occurred, the Hawks have risen back up the ladder, showcasing their giant-killing form reminiscent of the last two finals series with four victories in their last five matches.
A key catalyst to Talbot’s renaissance has been their redesigned offence in the absence of star player-coach Eleisha Phelps. With teenager Charli Kaye thriving with her added responsibilities at goal attack, Loren Aquilina has re-joined Tina Wardlaw in the midcourt. That dynamic trifecta has helped stellar shooter Elenoa Costello score a whopping 174 goals in her last four appearances.
While Talbot’s turnaround was widely expected, Harcourt has suddenly drawn within four points of the top eight with four consecutive victories.
The Lions routinely showed glimpses of their blistering recent form throughout the first half of the season, including a highly competitive first half in their season opener against the Hawks, but now the results are finally coming to fruition.
Alongside defensive standouts Carly Chaplin and Laura Suckling, shooters Jordan Bagley and Jarrenhy Webb have been outstanding in recent weeks, scoring 62 goals alongside Jarrenhy’s sister Tia Webb last weekend against Campbells Creek.