Ladder Position: 5-13-0 (55.80%)
Best and Fairest: Jake Basa
Leading Goal Kicker: Nikolas Hibert – 27 Goals
Doveton experienced a challenging 2026 Division 2 campaign, finishing the season with five wins and 13 losses. Despite facing some tough opposition throughout the year, the Doves produced several encouraging performances and showcased some strong individual talent across the season.
The Doves made an excellent start to their campaign, recording their best win in Round 1 with an impressive 41-point victory over East Brighton at Hurlingham Park. Doveton finished with 11.7 (73) to East Brighton's 4.8 (32), setting a positive tone for the season.
Jake Basa was a standout performer throughout the year, earning the Senior Best and Fairest award after a consistent campaign in the midfield. Basa averaged 20.2 disposals, 7.9 clearances and 3.7 intercept possessions per game, providing an important presence around the contest.
Max Sheppard was another key contributor, averaging 4.5 clearances, 4.2 score involvements and 9.1 contested possessions per game, highlighting his importance to the side's midfield and contested ball work.
In front of goal, Nikolas Hibert led the way with 27 goals for the season, earning both the club's Leading Goal Kicker and Coaches Award. Hibert also made an important contribution across the ground, averaging 14.4 disposals, 1.9 goals and 4.5 marks per game.
While the season presented its challenges, Doveton will look to build on the experience gained throughout 2026 and take the positives from their individual performances into the 2027 campaign.
Best Win: Round 1 – Doveton 11.7 (73) defeated East Brighton 4.8 (32) at Hurlingham Park.
Key Players:
- Jake Basa (Best and Fairest): 20.2 disposals, 7.9 clearances and 3.7 intercept possessions per game.
- Max Sheppard: 4.5 clearances, 4.2 score involvements and 9.1 contested possessions per game.
- Nikolas Hibert (Leading Goal Kicker and Coaches Award): 27 goals for the season, averaging 14.4 disposals, 1.9 goals and 4.5 marks per game.
WOMENS NETBALL
Doveton Doves fielded four netball sides throughout the 2026 season, competing across B3, C4, D3 and E2 grades. The campaign provided a mixture of results across the grades, with some encouraging performances and individual achievements to celebrate.
The B3 side enjoyed a competitive season, finishing with a 9-7-0 record and a percentage of 97.84%. Emma Ataya took home the Senior Best and Fairest award and was also the side's leading goal scorer, finishing with an impressive 289 goals from 16 games. Elise Scott was another important contributor, finishing as Best and Fairest runner-up with 248 goals across 16 games.
A highlight of the B3 campaign came in Round 3, when Doveton produced an impressive 64-38 victory over Heatherton at Robinson Reserve.
In C4, the Doves recorded a strong season, finishing with nine wins, six losses and one draw, alongside an impressive percentage of 116.71%. Kiara George led the side's goal scoring with 354 goals, playing an important role in the team's attacking efforts. Their best result came in Round 12, when Doveton secured a convincing 50-32 victory over Lyndale at Rowan Road Reserve.
The D3 side faced a challenging campaign, finishing with a 0-15-0 record. Ella Ingwersen led the team's goal scoring with 76 goals for the season. Despite the difficult results, the side gained valuable experience and will look to continue developing heading into 2027.
Similarly, the E2 side experienced a tough season, finishing with a 0-13-0 record. Dalena Graham led the goal scoring with 87 goals, providing an important attacking contribution throughout the campaign.
Across the four grades, the Doves showcased individual talent and determination, with the B3 and C4 sides producing particularly encouraging results. The club will look to build on these performances and continue strengthening its netball program heading into the 2027 season.
Congratulations to all players, coaches, volunteers and supporters across Doveton Doves on their efforts throughout 2026. The club will now look ahead to another season, aiming to build on the positives and continue developing across both football and netball.
