Sport
15 April, 2026
Grasshoppers show promise in opening-round loss
Navarre’s A-Grade netballers have shown encouraging signs despite opening their season with a hard-fought six-goal loss to Natte Bealiba in round one of the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League.
The contest began evenly, with the Swans edging ahead to take a two-goal lead into quarter-time. Natte Bealiba capitalised on Navarre’s errors in the second quarter, extending the margin to nine goals by halftime.
The home side pushed their advantage to 11 early in the third term, but the Grasshoppers responded strongly, finding their rhythm and reducing the deficit to just four goals at the final break.
Navarre carried that momentum into the last quarter, repeatedly cutting the margin to three goals and threatening a comeback. However, buoyed by their home crowd, the Swans held firm to secure a tough 57–51 victory.
New goalers Zanaiya Bergen and Aliza Lockhart impressed in their first outing together, scoring 33 and 18 goals respectively and earning best-on-court honours for Navarre.
Grasshoppers coach Sidney Dyer said the pairing developed strongly as the game progressed and could prove a dangerous combination.
“Aliza was dominant with her voice, guidance, direction and speed, and only missed three shots,” Dyer said.
“I challenged Zanaiya during the game, and she responded brilliantly. She stepped up and really owned the ring, which was great to see.
“They worked out their rhythm and began combining really well, which is a massive sign for us.”
Dyer remained philosophical about the result, pointing to the team’s growth across the four quarters.
“The first half was a bit flat, and with a new group it took time to build that connection,” she said.
“In the second half, we really lifted and started to take control.
“There were definitely some nerves. Everyone felt it, but I told the girls that whether we win or lose in round one isn’t the most important thing.
"A loss can be valuable as it shows us where we can improve and gives us extra hunger.”
Dyer identified key areas for improvement, including passing, timing and on-court communication, but was pleased with her side’s resilience.
“The biggest positive was that we never dropped our heads,” she said.
“We fought back and gave it everything right until the end.”
The Grasshoppers will now turn their attention to Newstead, who are coming off a heavy loss to Avoca, as Navarre looks to build on an encouraging opening performance.
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