Sport
15 May, 2026
2026 MCDFNL Football Round 6 Preview — Maryborough Giants v Natte Bealiba
Two sides desperate to get their seasons back on track meet this week when Maryborough Giants play Natte Bealiba in what shapes as a crucial clash for both clubs.
While this match was orignally scheduled to be played at Hedges Oval, both teams have agreed to shift the venue to CHS Broadbent Oval due to netball court upgrades ongoing at the Giants home ground.
Natte Bealiba enter the contest still searching for their first win of the season after a 55-point loss to Newstead last round. While the Swans were competitive for much of the first half and trailed by only 10 points at the main break, they were eventually overrun as Newstead’s class and fitness took control.
Ryan Semmel continued his solid form up forward with two goals, while Kyen Burrill-Grinton, Daniel Groen and Joshua Grant battled hard throughout the contest.
Maryborough are also coming off a difficult outing against reigning premiers Trentham, losing by 78 points at Hedges Oval. Despite the final margin, the Giants showed patches of competitiveness, particularly through players such as Sam Spink, Mitch Stork and Riley Govan.
The Giants have shown throughout the season they are capable of moving the ball well and creating scoring opportunities, but lapses in concentration and defensive pressure have hurt them against the competition’s stronger sides.
The midfield battle looms as crucial. Natte look to generate repeat inside-50 entries through Grant and Stephen Ross, while the Giants will rely on the experience of Scott Miller and the run of players such as Stork and Govan to gain control around stoppages.