Sport
3 July, 2026
MCDFNL Round 12 Football Preview Navarre v Carisbrook
A blockbuster awaits at Navarre Sports Complex this weekend when Navarre hosts ladder leader Carisbrook in one of the most anticipated matches of round 12.
Both sides enter the clash in outstanding form. Navarre returned to the winners’ list with a commanding 83-point victory over Avoca before enjoying the bye, while Carisbrook further strengthened its hold on top spot by dismantling Avoca by 143 points.
The Grasshoppers have developed into one of the competition’s most dangerous teams over the past month.
Riley Bibby and Sam Rickard have formed a lethal partnership inside forward 50, combining for 12 goals against Avoca, while Oliver Notting, Bradley Slorach, and John Jok continue to provide plenty of drive through the midfield.
Navarre has also become a much more disciplined side defensively, with Shannon Treloar, Brady Tillig and Harry Schroder playing important roles in limiting opposition scoring opportunities.
Carisbrook, however, remains the benchmark of the competition. The Redbacks possess the league’s most potent attack, averaging around 20 goals per game, and
are coming off another dominant display in which Tim Rinaldi kicked nine goals against Avoca.
He will again be the focal point in attack, supported by Patrick Taranto, Jackson Bowen, Thomas Gardam and Cooper Driscoll.
The midfield battle looms as one of the keys to the contest. Navarre’s on-ball brigade will need to match the strength and depth of Taranto, Bowen, Elliot Brandon-Jones and Mitchell Treacy if the Grasshoppers are to give their dangerous forwards enough opportunities.