Sport
29 August, 2025
Netball Semi Final Preview: Natte Bealiba v Lexton
Lexton and Natte Bealiba will aim to make their fourth consecutive preliminary final on Sunday, but have to defeat an old foe to earn their place in the final four.
The rivalry between the Swans and the Tigers has been one of the most influential since they joined the MCDFNL, resulting in some fantastic games and several finals meetings.
Its high point came in the 2022 grand final, when Lexton, who finished the regular season outside the top four, made a spectacular run to the final dance against Natte, who knocked off Avoca in the preliminary final.
With a blistering first-quarter performance, the Swans took an early lead in that grand final and were able to keep the Tigers at arm’s length, claiming their first premiership since 2011 with star midcourter Ella Tranter winning best on court.
Natte has dominated the rivalry since that important juncture, victorious in the last four meetings with Lexton, including last year’s hard-fought preliminary final by nine goals.
However, the Swans have some uncharacteristic problems on their hands. After winning 14 out of 15 games this season, Natte are currently on a two-game losing streak, including their qualifying final defeat to Carisbrook.
Natte player-coach Emma Ryan said Carisbrook were the better team on Saturday, controlling the game on both ends.
“They outplayed us, we probably didn’t quite step up to what we needed to against them and credit to them,” she said.
“We are disappointed because we went into that game pretty confident, we knew we could do it, but it just didn’t happen.
“I think their goalers were really strong, they shot well, they moved well, and they rebounded any ball that was there, but there are little things all over the court.”
While the Swans have hit an untimely drop in form, the Tigers are currently rolling with five wins in their last six games and eliminating Navarre last Sunday, led by a dominant second half. Lexton made full use of their bench in their elimination final, with 11 players utilized as they searched for an edge trailing by four goals at quarter time.
Defenders Sarah Griffin and Brodey McKay translated their exceptional home and away seasons into difference-making performances last weekend. They will be keen to disrupt the Swans’ new shooting tandem of Ryan and Ashlee McClelland.
With their campaign now on the verge of collapsing, Ryan said Natte will revert to basics to try and regain their regular-season momentum.
“I think we just need to go back to remembering why we play and go back to the enjoyment of it as well,” she said.
“We don’t want to get too caught up on all the strategies. I think if we go back to why we play netball, because we love it, I think that will give us a bit of a spark.”
Lexton co-coach Megan Howell believes her team can earn their long-awaited win over its rivals, but said it will take a complete performance to give itself a chance.
“We just need to play out our consistent four quarters,” she said.