Sport
21 April, 2026
Natte Bealiba overcome old foes Carisbrook
In a rivalry headlined by narrow margins, Natte Bealiba has sent an early-season message with a commanding 37-goal victory over fellow premiership contenders Carisbrook.
The Swans showed ruthless efficiency on offence, with shooters Emma Ryan and Sian Mortlock scoring 78 goals at an impressive shooting percentage just under 85 percent.
With their team virtually faultless in attack, Natte defenders Ellie Martin and Naomi Medlyn were just as proficient, keeping the Redbacks to 25 goals in the first three quarters.
While a fourth-quarter flourish showcased their capabilities, Carisbrook will look to improve next Sunday in a pivotal round three encounter with the high-flying Talbot Hawks.
Both teams entered this match relatively unchanged, with the visitors including Macy Tatchell following their six-goal victory over Navarre.
Hoping to create a more comfortable cushion than their season-opening clash, the Swans accelerated out of the blocks, catching the Redbacks off guard on their home court.
With Ella Tranter and Chloe Ross sharing playing time at centre, Natte’s midcourt was full of energy throughout the first quarter as Ryan and Mortlock found their shooting touch almost instantly.
That, coupled with some timely interventions from Medlyn, Martin and Darci Rodgers, allowed the Swans to go on several key runs that built a 12-goal gap at quarter time.
Attempting to rebound from their early deficit, the Redbacks made a bunch of changes during the second quarter, with Finley Wagstaff and Lauren Jones seeing their first A grade action of the season while Chloe Egan and Charlotte Cain switched defensive positions.
Moving three-time Nalder Tracey Trophy winner Laura Hurse further up the court to assist Jordan McClure and Abbey Nalder did boost Carisbrook’s offence, but the new Natte formula of Ryan and Mortlock looks to be a proven recipe for goals.
The Swans duo added 21 goals in the second quarter to double up the Redbacks 40-18 at half time.
With Navarre’s third-quarter comeback in round one still fresh in their minds, Natte was determined to keep a very talented Carisbrook team at a sheltered distance in the second half.
With Tatchell coming off the bench and Tranter, Ross and Ebony Raven seamlessly shifting positions in the midcourt, the Swans never allowed the Redbacks to feel comfortable in their comeback effort while Mortlock and Ryan continuously poured on the goals.
With a 35-goal advantage at three-quarter time, the Swans virtually had the four points secured.
Full credit to Carisbrook, they kept fighting until the bitter end, rewarded with their best period of the match in the fourth quarter.
Assisted by Cain helping out Hurse and Katie Bilton in the attacking midcourt, the Redbacks offence clicked during the closing minutes, allowing McClure to score a team-high 24 goals alongside Nalder’s 17 makes.
That improvement didn’t have any impact on the final scoreline however, as the Swans will enter their round three bye after a 78-41 victory.
While Ryan continues to lead the way with 52 goals, the pressure on her to score is increasingly becoming lighter thanks to Mortlock, who scored 26 of her 29 shots on Saturday.