Sport
8 May, 2026
2026 MCDFNL Netball Round 5 Preview — Lexton vs Talbot
The undefeated Lexton Tigers face their biggest test tomorrow, hosting fellow premiership hopefuls Talbot in what’s expected to be the match of the round.
Thanks to their round four bye, the Hawks have had an extra week to lament on their memorable one-goal defeat to Carisbrook.
The match was an instant classic between two contenders who combined to produce an exceptional display of netball, but Talbot were the unfortunate ones to lose a contest both teams deserved to win.
While many teams would like to have an instant shot at redemption after such a narrow defeat, their early bye might have come at an ideal time.
Saturday marks the start of a blockbuster run of games for Talbot that includes Avoca, Navarre, Natte Bealiba and a rematch with the Redbacks all in the space of five rounds.
Despite that vital run of games nearby, the Hawks can ill afford to overlook the Tigers, who currently sit third on the ladder with a 4-0 record.
After combining to score 57 of their 63 attempts against Carisbrook, Talbot shooters Eleisha Phelps and Elenoa Costello will be an intriguing challenge for Lexton’s talented defence, consisting of Sarah Griffin, Shanae Hepworth, Eliza Bell and Cindy Teggerth.
With Jane Costello, Melissa Scott and Jess White at their disposal, it will be interesting to see how the Hawks attempt to defend Charlize Kennedy and Rachel Phelan.
While Kennedy leads the Tigers in scoring with 152 goals, Phelan is an equally dangerous threat, finishing third in league scoring in three consecutive seasons from 2022 to 2024.