Sport
3 July, 2026
MCDFNL Round 12 Netball Preview Lexton v Natte Bealiba
Another chapter in one of A grade’s most enshrined rivalries of the decade will be written this Saturday as undefeated ladder-leaders Natte Bealiba takes on Lexton.
Starting with Natte winning their second MCDFNL A grade premiership at the Tigers’ expense, these two teams have met in three of the last four finals series.
Several players from that aforementioned 2022 Grand Final remain key contributors for their respective teams, including the game’s best on court, Ella Tranter.
Natte’s midcourt superstar continues to be flanked by 2022 rookie of the year Chloe Ross, while that year’s joint Nalder Tracey Trophy winner Naomi Medlyn has formed a deadly defensive partnership with Ellie Martin.
The magic M’s were instrumental in Natte’s 56-24 victory over Dunolly last weekend, while fellow premiership player Sian Mortlock powered the Swans offence with 27 goals.
While Caitlin Howell and Rachel Phelan may be the only remnants of Lexton’s last Grand Final berth, the revamped Tigers showed the heart of a champion last Saturday, completing a fourth-quarter comeback to win an absolute thriller over Trentham by a goal.
Under immense pressure, Phelan and rising superstar Charlize Kennedy were as cool as the other side of the pillow, finishing with a combined 50 goals.
While Phelan and Kennedy will look to maintain their scintillating shooting form, Eliza Bell and Shanae Hepworth will also be crucial to Lexton’s aspirations of an upset, set to battle Natte’s Sian and Eve Mortlock and Chelsea Ross in the goal circle.