Sport
21 July, 2026
Navarre overpowers Natte in Ross’ 400th
Navarre dampened Natte Bealiba legend Stephen Ross’ 400-game celebrations with a convincing 77-point victory over the Swans.
After memorable pre-game festivities marked Ross’ historic milestone, Natte were desperate for an electric start in their quest to solidify their finals place with a key victory.
However, it was the Grasshoppers who charged away in the opening term courtesy of four unanswered goals from the returning Jack Mentha, captain Riley Bibby, Aaron Slorach and Brady Tillig.
Former three-time Cheatley Medallist Ryan Semmel provided an early lifeline for the Swans with a well-taken goal midway through the opening term, but late majors from Mentha and Oliver Notting boosted Navarre’s lead to 28 points at quarter time.
After the Grasshoppers midfield led by Notting, Mentha and Walker dominated the contest battle throughout the first term, Natte implemented some solutions around the stoppage after the break, result-ing in a gritty end to the first half.
Swans stalwart Emmet Smith kickstarted the second quarter with an early goal that galvanised the strong band of travelling supporters, but Bibby and Tillig quickly responded to restore Navarre’s comfy cushion.
Just as Natte looked to mount a threatening challenge, Mentha’s late second quarter goal gave him three for the afternoon and put the Swans in a treacherous predicament, trailing by 34 points at half time.
Mentha’s major proved to be a precursor to an outstanding third quarter by the Grasshoppers, who dominated proceedings with seven unanswered goals.
While Nick Birthisel and Shannon Treloar put a screeching halt to multiple Natte attacks, Notting, Walker and Harry Schroder were routinely finding space and producing some great deliveries inside 50.
Bibby, Slorach and Sam Rickard were the main beneficiaries up forward during a rampant third term that ended with the Grasshoppers leading by 81 points.
To their credit, the Swans ended a tough defeat with an encouraging fourth quarter performance. Led by Smith, Trent Mortlock and Ethan Ross, Natte kicked 4.1 to Navarre’s 3.3.
Smith, Kyen Burrill-Grinton, Kurt Mortlock, Jayden Brydon, Nathan Holt and Jordan Fraser were standout performers for the Swans, but they couldn’t stop the Grasshoppers from completing a memorable season double over their rivals.
Captain fantastic Bibby ended Saturday’s victory with five goals, while Mentha marked a successful return in his first match since round seven with four majors.
Midfield maestros Notting and Walker were named among the Grasshoppers’ best players along-side Birthisel, Treloar, Schroder and Darcy Claughton.