Horsham District Football Netball League finals preview – August 16, 2023

Edenhope-Apsley’s road to the finals

There’s nothing

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

Edenhope-Apsley

enter the Horsham District league senior football finals as outsiders, carrying a serviceable home-andaway record that saw it finish sixth.

The Saints started the year looking to continue much of the progress it made last season, while improving on an elimination final exit at the hands of Jeparit-Rainbow.

Leading into the 2023 season, the Saints had a coaching change with Tim McIntyre replacing the outgoing Guy Smith.

(131). Away.

Round 12: W. 18.24 (132) d Taylors Lake 3.4 (22).

Round 13: L. 8.9 (57) lost to Jeparit-Rainbow 10.11 (71). Away.

Round 14: L. 9.3 (57) lost to Harrow-Balmoral 10.13 (73). Home. Round 15: L. 7.10 (52) lost to Noradjuha-Quantong

Round 16: L. 12.6 (78) lost to Rupanyup 22.7 (139). Away.

* Highest score. ** Lowest score.

Total: Won: 8. Lost: 8. For: 1159. Against: 1277.

Points: 32. Percentage: 90.76.

Leading goal-kickers

Cleve Hughes 41, Tim McIntyre 26, Jak Ryan 19, Josh Roman 17.

A HUGE THANK YOU TO THE EDENHOPE-APSLEY

CLUB COMMUNITY ON ANOTHER FANTASTIC SEASON.

McIntyre, who returned to the club for the start of the 2022 competition, has been ever-present in the Saints’ midfield along with brother Ben. Trying to improve on last year’s fifth-placed ladder result and break into the top three or four, the side had a mixed start to the current season.

In round one, Edenhope-Apsley succumbed to Jeparit-Rainbow in an early sign the Saints would face stiff competition in the race for a finals finish.

The next month for the Saints included a run of wins against lower-ranked opposition, such as a close 92-109 win against Taylors Lake.

The 17-point win at Dock Lake Reserve was achieved despite the Lakers having former Melbourne Demon James Magner for a one-off appearance, with the ex-AFL player starting in the middle before going forward to kick nine goals.

Saints’ key forward Cleve Hughes kicked six majors in a comprehensive victory against KanivaLeeor United and would steadily pile on the goals for the rest of the home-and-away season.

A mid-season run against other finals hopefuls saw Edenhope-Apsley split the premiership points.

Week-in and week-out, our army of volunteers work tirelessly to enable our players to do what they love and for the club to host matches.

We have had a successful year across both football and netball and wish our teams all the best heading into finals!

Photo:

Jak Ryan

to lose

A mid-season run against other finals hopefuls saw Edenhope-Apsley split the premiership points.

Noradjuha-Quantong were too good for the Saints in round six, before they responded with a three-point victory against Swifts and another win against Pimpinio, who it finished ahead of to secure a finals berth.

The result against Swifts was one of the Saints’ biggest scalps on the season, but the final margin may well have been bigger if they kicked straighter — having eight more scoring shots in the game.

Two more wins against Natimuk United and Kalkee followed before Harrow-Balmoral assert ed itself in round 11. The Southern Roos were 89-point victors against the Saints at Harrow.

Into the last few fixtures, Edenhope-Apsley again lost to Jeparit-Rainbow before a much-improved performance in a rematch against Harrow-Balmor al — falling again to the Southern Roos by just under three goals.

Midfielder Corey Williams was best-on-ground for the Saints in the loss, with Jeremy and Ber nard Kealy also among best players.

The Saints had a less-than-ideal finish to the home-and-away season, falling easily to another finalist in Noradjuha-Quantong.

Edenhope-Apsley are without a win since round 12, after suffering a heavy loss to Rupanyup in the last match of the regular season

While the Saints may not have built on last sea son’s ladder result, it still has an opportunity to defy expectation in the knockout rounds and put together a run.

They will have nothing to lose going in and this might work in their favour.

Cleve

The former Richmond player provides a focal point for the Saints in attack. He can be damaging on the scoreboard when given room, posting several big hauls during the season. Hughes will be crucial leading into finals as the Saints look to rectify its record in front of goal, which has cost them across the season.

Corey Williams

The midfielder has stood out on occasion during the year, often featuring in the best players. He is a capable foil to the rest of the onballers.

Jak Ryan

Ryan is a tall option for the Saints, who plays in the ruck and spends time up forward. His scoring record more than merits his time spent at the attacking end. Whether his side is looking to hold onto a lead or get the ball up the field, Ryan’s height and physicality is useful in bringing the ball to ground.

Ben McIntyre

McIntyre is an influential player from the midfield and will play some part in his team’s fortunes during the finals series. A technically-skilled player, he can match it with the best onballers in the competition. Another aspect of his game is his goal-kicking, and he has contributed a significant portion of his team’s majors for the season.

Hughes

Ben McIntyre

Energised for

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

young Swifts outfit has enjoyed a solid season in Horsham District league’s senior football competition, finishing well into finals

The top-five finish is an improvement on last season’s result, when the team finished sixth to be bounced out of finals in the first round against HarrowCoach Brett Hargreaves said the Baggies had a few ‘big outs’ from last season and fronted up as a younger team leading into 2023.

He said while last season’s brief finals appearance would hold his players in good stead, there was still a question about how Swifts would fare after losing experienced players.

“It was an unknown, how we were going to perform. I was optimistic, but we are very young,” Hargreaves said.

He said as the season went on, it was clear the club’s policy of bringing through younger players already at the club was working, but not without a scare in the first game.

“It was a work-in-progress,” he said.

“After we lost to Kaniva-Leeor United first round, there were alarm bells.” He said after the first few games, his team made adjustments at training and started to ‘gel’ more effectively.

Jesse Galea-Portelli

Players to watch a finals charge

“We learned what we needed to coach and tried to play a bit more team footy to get that cohesion in the forward, midfield and defence,” he said.

Hargreaves said as the season went on, different aspects of the team’s game improved and other areas needed more work.

“We worked hard on defence in preseason but it took a while for that to take effect,” he said.

“The intensity is what improved. We talk about running both ways, but it became an expectation to do that.”

Hargreaves said Jack Cann had been one of the big improvers, cementing his spot on the half-back line across from fellow standout Joseph Martin.

“Jack is one of the best kicks I’ve seen,” Hargreaves said.

He highlighted games against Rupanyup and Pimpinio in rounds three and six as standout performances for Swifts, with his team coming from behind in both matches for the win.

In the round-three game against fellow finalists Rupanyup, Swifts fell behind in the third quarter before storming home to accomplish a five-point victory.

The Baggies were not reliant on a single player to amass a winning score, with important forwards Angus Murray and Matthew Healy each kicking three goals.

Hargreaves said his team was down

by 36 points at threequarter time against Pimpinio before a fivegoal final term saw them win.

“We just went back to play ing our football,” he said.

“That result really instilled be lief in the team.

“Sometimes a young team needs a tangible example of the structures working.”

Hargreaves said these lessons were shown again after his team’s 10-goal win against Pimpinio in round 15, denying the Tigers any chance of mak ing finals.

He said his young squad was hoping to build on the good work already done during the season, throughout the finals.

“We want not only to play finals, but win finals,” Hargreaves said.

“Last year we were already fa tigued by this point in the season. This time, there is a very different feel about the club.”

After a 132-point defeat at the hands of Harrow-Balmoral in last season’s elimination final, Swifts will be looking to push on this year.

A strong finish to the home-and-away season, outside of a loss to Natimuk United in the last game, leaves the Bag gies energised for a finals charge.

Angus Murray

Murray acts as the barometer of this Baggies’ team, dragging along his teammates with his impressive work-rate. He moves around the ground from his starting position of centre-half-forward, involving himself in build-up play and creating space for other forwards. The front-half player also has an eye for goal and might be called upon to secure a result during the finals.

Joseph Martin

Martin has had a breakout year in defence for Swifts to become their most consistent player. In his second full year in the senior team, the attacking half-back has improved significantly. His intercept marking is one of his standout qualities.

Tallis Miles

Miles is an underrated player in the Baggies’ midfield. He is able to get in-and-under, winning a contested ball before disposing of it effectively. He hardly wastes a kick or handball when in pos-

An old-school full-forward who makes defenders think twice about standing in front of him, Healy can be seen leading up the middle of his team’s forward line. The physical player has outstanding marking qualities, rarely putting down a pass. The Baggies’ number-30 has consistently kicked multiple goals during home-andaway season games.

Matthew Healy

Scott Carey

Rupanyup’s road to the finals

Coach: Brayden Ison

Round 1: D. 6.13 (49) drew with Natimuk United 6.13 (49). Away.

Round 2: W. 14.6 (90) d Noradjuha-Quantong 7.14 (57).

Home.

Round 3: L. 9.13 (67) lost to Swifts 10.12 (72). Away.

Round 4: W. 21.12 (138) d Pimpinio 11.10 (76). Home.

Round 5: W. 26.14 (170) d Edenhope-Apsley 2.1 (13).

Away.

Round 6: W. 9.13 (67) d Kalkee 5.7 (37). Home.

Round 7: L. 5.3 (33) lost to Harrow-Balmoral 26.17 (173). Away. **

Round 8: L. 5.9 (39) lost to Jeparit-Rainbow 13.7 (85).

Home.

Round 9: W. 28.18 (186) d Taylors Lake 7.7 (49). Away. *

Round 10: L. 7.4 (46) lost to Kaniva-Leeor United 7.9 (51). Home.

Round 11: W. 18.12 (120) d Laharum 5.3 (33). Away.

Round 12: W. 11.10 (76) d Noradjuha-Quantong 9.17 (71). Away.

Round 13: W. 13.17 (95) d Natimuk United 7.10 (52).

Home.

Round 14: W. 22.32 (164) d Laharum 4.4 (28). Home.

Round 15: W. 9.14 (68) d Kalkee 10.13 (73). Away.

Round 16: W. 22.7 (139) d Edenhope-Apsley 12.6 (78).

Home.

* Highest score. ** Lowest score.

Total: Won: 10. Lost: 5. For: 1547. Against: 997. Points: 42. Percentage: 155.17.

Leading goal-kickers

Brayden Ison 55, Christopher Schaper 24, Blake Turner 23, Jacob Christie 17.

Panthers rising

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

upanyup, despite a stunted beginning to its 2023 campaign, has come up with some big results to finish the season comfortably in a finals position.

The Panthers are coming off a premiership win in 2022 against Kalkee, faring much better than their opposition from last September this season, with the Kees well outside the finals picture.

Rupanyup has enjoyed a fairly successful home-andaway season to finish fourth, but, with a handful of teams ahead of it, have a point to prove going into the finals

Two difficult games to finish the campaign, including a five-point loss Kalkee, has increased this uncertainty.

Panthers coach Brayden Ison said last year’s premiers had a difficult start to its title defence, culminating in a round one draw with Natimuk United.

“With a bit of a long harvest, it took a bit for some guys to get going,” he said.

“There was a high turnover as well and it took a while to find out where to put players and for them to learn how to play those positions.”

The shock draw with Natimuk United could have been worse for the Panthers, with the scoreboard initially showing the Rams had won the game before the umpires stepped in to award each side two premiership points. Ison said several players who joined the squad in the new season quickly cemented their places, including Bill Hansen, who came off an ACL injury with Corowa-Rutherglen in the Ovens and Murray league to be a standout on-baller for the team.

“Alby Kingston has played every game bar one in the backline, after coming up from the under-17s,” he said.

Lachie Weidemann

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Players to watch at right time

Ison said he saw improvements in almost all aspects of his team’s performances as the season went on, with a dominant win against Pimpinio a high point of the first half of the year.

“Our skill level, clearance work and capitalising on our forward 50 entries all got better,” he said.

He pinpointed the round 12 rematch against NoradjuhaQuantong, who his team had already beaten, as a key match in its season to date.

“We learned from that one, having made a crucial error –turning the ball over in the centre nearly cost us the game. We now know what to do in that situation,” Ison said. He said learning how to manage those situations would be important as his team went into the finals, with other finals squads capable of punishing mistakes.

“We are going to turn up and play consistent, four-quarter football – team football,” he said.

“We have to make sure everyone is on the same page.” Ison did not set a goal for his finals run, but called on his team leaders, including captain Jordan Weidemann, to drive the squad forward.

“We are not going to set a limit,” he said.

“It’s about not having lapses in games; it’s about making sure our leaders can help address it when they happen and

Elliot Kelly

Kelly has been a standout on-baller for Rupanyup across a number of seasons. He has featured in the Panthers’ best players in the majority of the games he has taken the field in during the 2023 season. The Panthers’ number-35 has chipped in with the occasional goal from midfield, averaging just over a goal a game.

Jordan Weidemann

Weidemann is the team’s captain and leads the defensive line from centre-half back. His role is to repel the opposition and contribute to his own team’s play as it transitions from defence to attack. As a leader, he also organises the rest of the defensive unit.

Jack Musgrove

Jack Musgrove, along with Mitch Musgrove, will be key to the Panthers’ forward line if they are able to string a few games together, with both missing much of the Horsham District league season through injury. Jack is the older of the two and kicked 14 goals in only a handful of games played. The Musgroves are both big-game players and should shine in the finals heat.

Mitch Gleeson

Gleeson is a mobile ruckman who dominates the midfield. His athleticism allows him to play as an extra midfielder at times, winning his own clearances and propelling his side forward. His speed and ability allows him read the opposition ruckman’s taps and swoop on to the footy.

Noradjuha-Quantong’s road

the finals

Youth and pace

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

Noradjuha-Quantong

has en-

joyed a steady season to finish top-three on the Horsham District league senior football ladder.

The Bombers were unable to make the finals last season, finishing just outside the six in an injury-plagued campaign.

Coach Damien Cameron said his Bombers squad approached the new season with last year’s result front of mind, hoping for a return to finals contention.

“After a disappointing season last year, our ultimate goal was to make finals,” he said.

Round 14: W. 13.7 (85) d Natimuk United 12.6 (78).

Home.

Round 15: W. 16.6 (102) d Edenhope-Apsley 7.10 (52).

Away.

Round 16: W. 22.22 (154) d Pimpinio 4.3 (27). Home.

* Highest score. ** Lowest score.

Total: Won: 12. Lost: 4. For: 1544. Against: 978. Points: 48. Percentage: 157.87.

Leading goal-kickers

Brock Orval 43, Dylan Bushby 35, Brayden Culhane 25, Cam Bruce 16.

“Everyone was on the same page. We had a solid pre-season and changed a few things up.”

Cameron said his team had an imperfect start to the 2023 campaign, despite comfortable wins against Natimuk United and a finals-bound Swifts team.

“We dropped a couple of games early on against Rupanyup and Pimpinio before we had a good patch through the middle of the year,” he said.

“Against Rupanyup, we hadn’t perfected the things we had implemented during pre-season.

“In the Pimpinio game, we started really slowly and had to claw our way back, which we weren’t able to do.”

Zane Batson

Alex Ross

advantage

Cameron said the team started to learn a new way of playing during this period, which encouraged more fast-paced ball movement and risktaking.

“We’re a young side that wants to use our leg speed, spread and runners,” he said.

“Instead of kicking down the line to experienced players like we would have last year, we were using our youth and pace and trying to get handball receives.

“It took a while for guys to position themselves differently and have the guts to take on those risks.”

Cameron said this fast-paced approach suited his young team, who started to reap rewards as the season progressed, and showed potential for further improvement if things went well in finals matches.

“The confidence within the group is growing – we have an average age of about 21 or 22 and these guys are really starting to enjoy their senior footy,” he said.

“I think the exciting thing is if we can get it right, we can go far in the finals.”

Cameron said their 27-point win against Jeparit-Rainbow in round nine was a standout result in the home-and-away fixture.

“Another positive one was the

other week against Edenhope-Aps ley. They had a strong side in and we had a few outs, but were able to win,” he said.

Across the year, Cameron said Declan Bushby had been a revela tion for his squad, finding a settled spot in the team as a wingman after a big pre-season.

He said Dawson Cross had also been a useful key position player, predominately featuring in the forward line but able to play back when required.

Cameron said it was a ‘huge ben efit’ for his team to return to finals after a season outside the top six and he was hoping to launch a seri ous finals campaign.

“For me, without being unrealis tic, we just want to play as many games as we can,” he said.

Cameron said playing in a home grand final, with the 2023 Horsham District league grand final set to take place at Quantong Recreation Reserve, would be a ‘special re ward’.

“That’s something that’s pretty rare, but we’re just going to take it one match at a time,” he said.

Players to watch

Wade

Francis organises the rest of the Bombers’ defence from the half-back line with his leadership skills. From this position, he is also able to set up a lot of his team’s attacking play.

Brock

Orval plays mainly through the Noradjuha-Quantong midfield and is able to hit the scoreboard. When he rests forward, the pressure he applies disrupts the opposition’s build-up play. In these roles, Orval has kicked more than 40 goals for the Bombers during the season and his ability to create scoring opportunities will be needed going

Hallett

Hallett is a physical presence in the Bombers’ midfield. The pressure side of his game ensures his opponents do not get many uncontested possessions. When the ball is in dispute, he is strong over the ball and is difficult to knock off his course.

Besford

Another midfielder, Besford had a big pre-season before last year to poll well in the club’s best-and-fairest vote. In the current campaign, he has continued on this path to become an important part of the Bombers’ engine room. His work-rate and tackle pressure are some of his standout attri-

Francis

Orval

James

Jayden

Brayden Culhane

Jeparit-Rainbow’s road to the finals

Coaches: Scott Driscoll and Mathew Everett

Method key to

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

eparit-Rainbow is hoping to win a premiership after a standout year that has seen it finish the home-andaway season as the second-best team.

Storm co-coach Scott Driscoll said his squad had not only exceeded the expectations of observers, but internal goals that were set at the start of the year.

“Our expectations were to be in finals contention,” he said.

Noradjuha-Quantong 11.18 (84). Home. **

Round 10: W. 18.5 (113) d Swifts 12.12 (84). Away.

Round 11: W. 17.17 (119) d Pimpinio 10.7 (67). Home.

Round 12: W. 12.12 (84) d Kalkee 5.10 (40). Away.

Round 13: W. 10.11 (71) d Edenhope-Apsley 8.9 (57).

Home.

Round 14: W. 15.13 (103) d Pimpinio 10.9 (69). Away.

Round 15: W. 30.20 (200) d Kaniva-Leeor United 2.5 (17). Home. *

Round 16: W. 27.22 (184) d Taylors Lake 3.9 (27). Away. * Highest score. ** Lowest score.

Total: Won: 14. Lost: 2. For: 1929. Against: 918. Points: 56. Percentage: 210.13.

Leading goal-kickers

Ashley Clugston 52, William Hutchison 30, Thomas Clarke 28, Nicholas Yarran 20.

“We set ourselves the goal of equalling where we finished last year, which was Driscoll said his team got off to a good start in 2023 with wins against fellow finalist Edenhope-Apsley and last year’s runner-up Kalkee in the opening rounds.

“We set ourselves the goal to be two wins and one loss after the first three games, and we were able to achieve that,”

He said solid performances in these early games showed the progress returning players had made and the contributions of the Storm’s new recruits.

He said a slew of new recruits including Tom Clarke and Matthew Synoradzki had all been great additions.

“It’s been an overall team development. The group has taken on feedback and been really coachable,” he said.

Justin Cozens

Storm success Players to watch

“We’ve been strong on the fact that it’s not about individual achievements, but what we have done as a team.

“We’ve had 36 or 37 blokes through the seniors, which is essentially playing two different teams.

“It shows that we have had depth within the club, which has been unfortunate for our reserves team at times, but has provided opportunity for some of the juniors.”

After taking on the role from Daniel Batson with co-coach Mathew Everett in 2023, Driscoll said the duo was able to expand on the work that had already been done in terms of game plan.

“We built off the foundation Daniel created, which was a strong, defensive game,” he said.

Driscoll said he and Everett added an attacking element to the plan, that was fast-paced and encouraged taking risks going forward.

He said during the past two seasons, the team had found an ability to finish off games stronger, and this was clear in certain games during 2023.

“We probably had games where we’d started slow and had to work ourselves back into the game to get a win,” he said.

“In others, we were challenged and found ways to run away with the game.

“Edenhope-Apsley, in round 13, challenged us for four quarters. We were undermanned going into the game, so to come away with a win was pleasing.

“We also beat Kalkee, twice, which is the first time Jeparit-Rainbow has been able to do that.”

Driscoll said while there had been many pleasing wins across the season, it was his team’s two losses that were the biggest learning experiences.

“We took a lot away from the losses against Harrow-Balmoral and NoradjuhaQuantong. To come out and have a hardfought win against Swifts after that second loss showed that,” he said.

He said the Storm was wanting to go all the way this season and he was working towards ensuring the squad was in form ahead of facing other finals sides including the formidable Harrow-Balmoral.

“We’re setting out to win a premiership – we want to give ourselves every op portunity to be there on grand final day,” Driscoll said.

Ahead of the last two games of the home-and-away fixtures, Driscoll said he would look to put together some good form.

“We’ll look to fine-tune the things we have been working on and play our best footy, and give guys an opportunity to play finals,” he said.

“It’s the method, the style of footy that we are after – the result will take care of itself.”

Matthew Synoradski

Synoradski came to the Storm at the start of the season after playing in Geelong and has become crucial in its fast-paced game style. From the wing, he thrives on larger grounds that allow him to break away and run. His kicking ability is also important to the way Jeparit-Rainbow attacks, providing forwards with scoring opportunities.

Ash Clugston

A veteran forward, Clugston has led the goal-kicking for Jeparit-Rainbow in 2023. His mobility is an important aspect of his game, allowing him to outwork defenders and find marking positions inside 50. He played his 200th club game in round 15 against Kaniva-Leeor United.

Thomas Clarke

The crafty midfielder-forward is regularly named in the Storm’s best players. Clarke has barely missed a game after being recruited to the club at the beginning of the season. His inventiveness might be useful as the Storm looks to break down the league’s best defensive players.

Nicholas Yarran

Yarran is another of the brigade of star recruits who have featured for Jeparit-Rainbow this season. The livewire has averaged two goals in each of the games he has played. If the Storm star can combine his experience in different leagues with what he has learned about Horsham District league football, he could have a stellar finals campaign.

Xavier Oakley

Harrow-Balmoral’s road to the finals

‘Playing on our

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

arrow-Balmoral has been far and away the team to beat this season and heads into the finals strong favourites after remaining unbeaten in 2023.

The Southern Roos had a disappointing end to its 2022 season after a strong finish on the ladder did not translate to a premiership run, falling to Kalkee in the preliminary final. However, the team moved on quickly, bringing in a new coach to become the favourites once again.

Southern Roos coach Jai Thompson said he had an idea of the strength on his list prior to taking on the coaching role, having watched one of its finals performances last season.

(151) d Kaniva-Leeor United 3.3 (21). Away.

* Highest score. ** Lowest score.

Total: Won: 16. Lost: 0. For: 2459. Against: 541.

Points: 64. Percentage: 454.53.

Leading goal-kickers

Simon Close 80, Nick Pekin 46, Jai Thompson 39, James Staude 43.

James Staude

He said his early weeks in the role were taken up thinking about what he could bring from his time at Leopold, in the Geelong league, that would benefit the playing group.

Thompson said starting pre-season early allowed him to try different approaches and a particular defensive strategy was one of the elements that

“Our zone defence and the way we set that up was key,” he said.

“We are lucky enough to have that higher level of talent to make that gel together and to be able to teach others.”

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hDFnl Finals

Thompson said having so many talented players, who had played in major leagues and important games, also helped him manage as a playing-coach.

“Most weeks, we have had one of those guys watching on to have a player’s perspective from the bench, and we have great bench coaches as well,” he said.

“These experienced guys who live in the area can use their knowledge to teach players different things – for example, having blokes in the forward line who can teach different leading patterns.”

Thompson said the first match of the season stood out for him.

The game was against last year’s runner-up Kalkee and was his first as a senior coach, having previously been an assistant with Leopold.

“I was pretty nervous against Kalkee. You don’t really know how a team is going to go until the season starts,” Thompson said.

He said the confidence that came from that first win, on Kalkee’s home ground, was crucial to the unbeaten streak that followed.

He said in the weeks after, his team was able to develop a distinctive style of play that they call ‘Roo-ball’.

“We just really wanted to be hard at the ball and physical, but also fast on the outside,” he said.

“We planned to have pressure around the footy – from the forwards, mid field and defence – and put our bod ies on the line.

“Then, we can chain-link, run fast and get the ball forward, not allow ing the opposition to set up behind us.”

Thompson said having gone un defeated and enjoying good form throughout the season, the goal leading into finals was clear.

“Obviously the biggest thing is to win a premiership,” he said.

“I want us to keep playing the way we have, during our finals campaign.

“It’s about who can stand up in a final and take charge – that’s when it really matters.

“We have a lot to prove after the loss last year.

“We want to put on a show and play on our terms.”

As minor premier, Harrow-Balmoral will have the first week of finals off be fore it faces Jeparit-Rainbow, who came within 35 points when the two met in round three.

The rematch between the teams will come after months of anticipation, with both squads having improved and strengthened since.

Harrow-Balmoral Roos

James Staude

The veteran key forward returned in round 16 against Kaniva-Leeor United after a shoulder injury kept him out for almost six weeks. Staude is an old-fashioned full-forward who leads out of the goal square and commands the space inside the 50-metre arc. He is a booming yet accurate kick, who was not far from the goal-scoring record of fellow forward Simon Close earlier in the year.

Simon Close

The Southern Roos’ centre-half forward is an experienced footballer, who has played in important games and major leagues. Close played multiple seasons for Leopold in the Geelong league and also featured in the VFL. Close has kicked a whopping 80 goals for the Southern Roos and is sure to play an important part in his team’s premiership chance.

Jai Thompson

Harrow-Balmoral’s playing-coach must balance his on-field duties with instructions and the tactical side of football. As a player, he is a classy left footer who adds quality to the Southern Roos’ team. He plays through the midfield and rests in the forward line, adding another dimension to a well-stocked attacking line-up.

Anthony Close

In his role as a main ruckman, Close might not always be mentioned in the team’s best players but he is one of many role players who have made Harrow-Balmoral so formidable. His key contributions are providing the midfielders first use in the ball-up and doing other work around the ground.

HARROW-BALMORAL FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB

Jai Thompson

Rupanyup’s road to the finals

Coach: Georgia Hiscock

Round 1: W. 50 d Natimuk United 25. Away.

Round 2: W. 53 d Noradjuha-Quantong 44. Home.

Round 3: W. 46 d Swifts 28. Away.

Round 4: L. 44 lost to Pimpinio 45. Home.

Round 5: L. 29 lost to Edenhope-Apsley 53. Away.

Round 6: L. 40 lost to Kalkee 53. Home.

Round 7: W. 69 d Harrow-Balmoral 26. Away.

Round 8: D. 52 drew with Jeparit-Rainbow 52.

Home.

Round 9: W. 46 d Taylors Lake 40. Away.

Round 10: v Kaniva-Leeor United, no game.

Round 11: L. 40 lost to Laharum 41. Home.

Round 12: W. 55 d Noradjuha-Quantong

53. Away.

Round 13: W. 77 d Natimuk United 31.

Home. *

Round 14: L. 30 lost to Laharum 72. Away.

Round 15: W. 43 d Kalkee 39. Away.

Round 16: L. 29 lost to Edenhope-Apsley 55. Home. **

* Highest score ** Lowest score

Total: Won: 9. Lost: 6. For: 723. Against: 657.

Points: 38. Percentage: 110.05.

Players to watch

Georgia Kramm

Kramm came across from Horsham Demons to play centre. She has polled well in the best oppo sition vote from other clubs and her playmaking will be crucial to the Panthers’ finals charge.

Bianca Drum Drum, who travels from Adelaide, plays goal attack when available, bringing experience and leadership.

Sights set high

push on and secured some encouraging results.

“When I went out in round two, it was about reshuffling to fill some gaps,” she said. Hiscock said her team’s one-goal loss to Laharum in round 11 was an important game in the Panthers’ season — one that inspired it to push on and make the finals.

“It instilled a drive that we can match it with the best and gave us proof we are on the right track,” she said.

Hiscock said a four-goal win against Kalkee in round 15, which secured her team a long-awaited finals berth, was another key result.

“It just meant so much,” she said.

She said there were a number of standout performers during the season, singling out the team’s main goal-scorer Zanaiya Bergen, who had struck up a good relationship with Ally Hiscock and Georgia Kramm.

“Zanaiya has improved immensely as the season has gone on – she has been flourishing,” Hiscock said.

She said there had been some ‘doubt’ after Laharum got the better of her team in round 14, with a huge margin of 42 goals separating the two sides, however, it only helped her players embrace their identity as a ‘surprise’ team coming to the pointy end of the season.

Hiscock said she was hopeful of playing with a full-strength team during the finals, because availability had been an issue throughout Rupanyup’s season.

weeks well. The team pushed

“We are setting our sights high,” she said.

Zanaiya Bergen

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Finals

Surprise packet

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

Jeparit-Rainbow will begin their 2023 Horsham District league A Grade netball finals campaign hoping to improve on last season’s first-round departure and gain more experience against premier opposition.

The Storm have flown under the radar to finish in fifth-place, ahead of several other competitive sides.

The team have a number of impressive results to reflect on and will hope to spring an upset or two this finals series.

Coach Penny Fisher said the Storm’s approach to the 2023 season was not only about reaching the finals again, after making them last season for the first time since entering the Horsham District league.

“As a coach, I really wanted to try to work on a better game style that would be more consistent and competitive against the top sides,” she said.

“It isn’t going to be something that happens in a season, but to see the signs of it happening is definitely a positive.”

Fisher said her team had a tough start to the season, playing two of last season’s top teams in Edenhope-Apsley and Kalkee.

“We knew early what we had to work on for the season ahead, if we were wanting to compete with these sides,” she said.

Fisher said while results might have trailed off as the season went on, the Storm’s attacking end had made significant improvements.

“Having a fairly new attacking side this year, the side has definitely become more settled and the connections have started to come through,” she said.

“In the second half of the season, we prob ably haven’t performed to the best of our ability.

“I think this was due to the added pressure we put on ourselves when we realised finals was still on the table.”

She said a round-eight draw against Rupanyup stood out as important game during the season, where the Storm shared the spoils against another finals side.

“This was just a really great game of netball that we ended up drawing,” she said.

“I just remember at the time thinking this was a chance that we may have missed, but the result really did reflect the game.”

She said the Storm’s late run to make finals showed the determination of her team and would serve them well in years to come.

“We have been sitting outside the top six for most of the season — so to actually make finals was a credit to the girls for staying focused and keeping their minds on the pos sibility that we could do it,” she said.

“For us, finals will all be about the experi ence. We have nothing to lose, so we will just go out there and see where it takes us.”

Jeparit-Rainbow’s road to the finals

Coach: Penny Fisher

L. 24 to Edenhope-Apsley 59. Away.

L. 48 to Kalkee 55. Home.

W. 67 d Harrow-Balmoral 31. Away. *

W. 50 d Natimuk United 35. Home.

W. 59 d Taylors Lake 33. Home. v Kaniva-Leeor United, no game.

L. 51 to Laharum 62. Home.

D. 52 to Rupanyup 52. Away.

L. 42 to Noradjuha-Quantong 56. Home.

W. 56 d Swifts 21. Away.

W. 64 d Pimpinio 44. Home.

L. 51 to Kalkee 59. Away.

L. 22 to Edenhope-Apsley 56. Home. **

W. 47 d Pimpinio 37. Away. v Kaniva-Leeor United, no game. W. 63 d Taylors Lake 35. Away.

* Highest score ** Lowest score on: 9. Lost: 6. For: 716. Against: 635. Points: 38. Percentage: 112.76.

Players to watch

Megan Werner

Werner helps set up the Storm’s goal circle from goal attack. She always keeps defenders accountable and will be key to her team’s finals chances.

Hannah McIllree

McIllree has formed a strong partnership with Werner around the Storm goals. The goal shooter has consistently scored at high volumes in her team’s run to the finals.

Megan Werner

Noradjuha-Quantong’s road to the finals

Round

Round

Round

Round

Round

Round

Round

Team dynamic

score

Total: Won: 10. Lost: 6. For: 749. Against: 672.

Points: 40. Percentage: 111.46.

Players to watch

Shannon Couch

The Bombers’ goal shooter often picks up one of the toughest defenders each week. Her presence under the ring and scoring prowess will be key as her team look to mount a finals challenge.

Brooke Pay

Pay has been outstanding all season from goal defence. After returning from maternity leave, she has slotted back seamlessly into the team, provid ing leadership and pressuring opposition attackers.

District league A

BY SEAN O’CONNELL oradjuha-Quantong will seek to enter the Horsham

Grade netball finals series as a team that uses its skills and cohesiveness to secure

The Bombers’ fourth-placed finish in the home-and-away season announces them as a serious contender, while leaving room for improvement in finals matches.

Coach Fiona Rowe said her team went into the 2023 season seeking to develop a greater team environment, after a semi-final loss to eventual premier Edenhope-Apsley ended their 2022 season.

“Ultimately, our aim was to create a great atmosphere — where all the girls are willing and motivated to push and challenge each other,” she said.

Rowe said the team had a tough start to the season, with losses to the finals-bound Laharum and Rupanyup, with a nine-goal margin in each game.

“It was challenging but gave us a good start in what the competition was going to be like,”

Rowe said despite her team having solid A Grade experience, self-belief emerged as a key area for improvement.

“Each of the girls are talented in their own way; it’s about learning to have confidence in themselves,” Rowe said.

She said teamwork and confidence improved as the season progressed, with

wins against Kalkee and Jeparit-Rainbow in rounds seven and nine making that clear.

“That team dynamic makes sure we challenge each other to be better, push harder and be able to make that hard pass,” she said.

Rowe said goal attack Georgia Lowe had been one of the players to ‘really improve’ for the Bombers in 2023.

She said Lowe had increased the number of longer shots at goal she was taking, improved her fitness and became a big-game player who stood up in critical moments.

Noradjuha-Quantong left it to the last day of the home-and-away season to secure a finals place, with a two-goal win against Pimpinio proving enough. In a contest that was tight until the last siren, Lowe and defender Brooke Pay were named the best players for the Bombers.

Ahead of the win against the Tigers, Rowe said her team would ‘bring everything’ to fend off its opposition.

The four-quarter performance required to beat Pimpinio means that Noradjuha-Quantong will come into finals off the back of a physicallydemanding game.

Rowe said her team’s goal for the finals series was to take it one week at a time, and returning to the team-oriented play that had served it well during the season so far.

“We just want to be competitive every week and put our all into every game,” she said.

“We’re only as good as the whole team, and we are always challenging and pushing each other to get better.”

Season of growth

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

Kalkee enters the 2023 Horsham District league A Grade netball finals after a strong season, finishing in third place.

The Kees have had some impressive results during the season, as well as some close losses, challenging Laharum at times for second spot on the ladder.

Coach Paula Weidermann said her team approached the season wanting to capitalise on last year’s successes.

“We wanted to develop our new players and juniors within the A Grade squad and build the team’s structures and confidence,” she said.

Weidermann said she had seen growth in different aspects as the season progressed.

“The team’s growth overall has been seen in fitness, skill level and, importantly, team bonding,” she said.

“They have a fantastic relationship on-and-off the field and the most important aspect is the girls have fun.”

Weidermann said this enjoyment had allowed her team to become a tight-knit unit that gelled well together on game day.

“I’ve been extremely proud of the girls all year,” she said.

“They have grown and developed as a team, implemented new skills and combined extremely well all across the court. They are a very strong and versatile team.”

Weidermann said her team’s home-and-away campaign, which included close wins against Jeparit-Rainbow and Rupanyup, reflected the evenness of the competition.

“We have had some great competition this year throughout the whole league,” she said.

“It’s a reflection of how strong the league is. Other clubs are attracting high-skilled netballers who play at an elite level across Victoria and interstate.

“It’s great for our players’ development. We have awesome up-and-coming juniors de veloping through our senior sides. Long-term, this is very promising for the future of Kalkee.”

Jarrah Martin, who is still eligible for the 17-and-under competition, is among players who had benefitted from A Grade opportu nities.

Martin has appeared in half of Kalkee’s games this season, chipping in on the scoreboard as a goal shooter.

Jedah Huf is another younger player who starred during the season, featuring in Kalkee’s best players on multiple occasions.

Molly Lakin and Emily Polack have also played a role in the A Grade team.

“We are lucky to have a few younger players along with the mature ones there to lead the team,” Weidermann said.

In the near-term, she said her side’s develop ment across the year would hold it in good stead for finals.

“I’m excited for us this year in finals. The team has only gotten stronger, fitter and more determined,” she said.

“We have had some strong games coming into finals and, regardless of the outcome, it will be what we take away from them that benefits us most.”

Round 13: W. 89 d Harrow-Balmoral 33. Away. *

Round 14: v Kaniva-Leeor United, no game.

Round 15: L. 39 lost to Rupanyup 43. Home.

Round 16: L. 37 lost to Laharum 51. Away.

* Highest score ** Lowest score

Total: Won: 11. Lost: 5. For: 750. Against: 590.

Points: 44. Percentage: 127.12.

Emily Polack

Polack provides an injection of youth to the Kees’ defensive unit. She is quick and adaptable, changing her game when needed.

From the goal attack position, Bywaters reads the play well and is accurate when given a shooting opportunity.

Jenna Bywaters

Jedah Huf

Laharum’s road to the finals

Coaches:

Second chance

BY SEAN’ O’CONNELL

58. Away.

Round 4: L. 37 lost to Edenhope-Apsley 46. Home.

Round 5: W. 63 d Kalkee 36. Away.

Round 6: W. 92 d Harrow Balmoral 29. Home.

Round 7: W. 62 d Jeparit-Rainbow 51. Away.

Round 8: W. 73 d Taylors Lake 29. Home.

Round 9: v Kaniva-Leeor United, no game.

Round 10: W. 54 d Natimuk United 32. Home.

Round 11: W. 41 d Rupanyup 40. Away.

Round 12: W. 70 d Swifts 30. Away.

Round 13: W. 68 d Noradjuha-Quantong 44. Home.

Round 14: W. 72 d Rupanyup 30. Home.

Round 15: W. 84 d Harrow-Balmoral 30. Away.

Round 16: W. 51 d Kalkee 37. Home.

* Highest score ** Lowest score

Total: Won: 15. Lost: 1. For: 940. Against: 554. Points: 60. Percentage: 169.68.

Players to watch

Ema Iredell

Iredell is one of the top players in the league and is often named Laharum’s best player. From her goal defence position, she overpowers opposition with her strength and shows great vision.

Rebecca McIntyre

McIntyre retired last year before being convinced to re-join the Demons as the side’s goalkeeper. Her height and defensive ability is an asset.

Laharum’s two-goal defeat in the last game of the season in 2022 has the team wanting to go one better in their latest campaign.

Both of last year’s grand finalists are comfortably the top-two teams this year – with EdenhopeApsley’s win against Laharum the only result separating the two before finals.

Demons co-coach Liv Jones said expectations for 2023 had not changed from previous seasons, as her squad maintained the majority of the playing group that narrowly lost last year’s grand final to the Saints.

“Our goal is always to make finals and be near the top of the ladder,” she said.

“We know there’s always a lot of change with line-ups and to predict where other teams are going to be is difficult in pre-season.”

Jones said the Demons had a tough few opening games, with close wins against Noradjuha-Quantong and Pimpinio early.

“Our start to the season was about finding our feet,” she said.

“We didn’t have Maddie or Ema Iredell against Pimpinio, which hasn’t happened at Laharum for many years, so we were pleased to get through those early games.”

Jones said Crossfit had been a new addition to training from the start of pre-season and had made a difference as the season progressed.

She said the Demons’ new fitness levels had allowed them to ‘run over’ teams in the second half of games, as shown in consecutive wins against Noradjuha-Quantong and Rupanyup.

“For our round 13 game against NoradjuhaQuantong, we were without Caitlin Story,” Jones said.

“We hadn’t played much without her, so for us to still be able to play out the four quarters, get that result and keep that consistency was huge.”

She said the importance of Story to her line-up at the attacking end was shown the following week when she returned against the Panthers, putting up nearly 40 goals.

Jones said the goal shooter brought a steady hand and a calmness to her team, only missing two goals in last year’s grand final loss.

Jones said her side was prepared for the bigger crowds and ‘everything else’ that came with finals netball.

“It’s exciting. It really brings out experience,” she said.

“Everyone in our team has been part of grand finals and had finals experiences.”

She said her sights were firmly on league leaders Edenhope-Apsley, which was responsible for the Demons’ sole defeat in round four.

“We always love playing against quality opposition,” Jones said.

She pointed out Edenhope-Apsley’s ‘box’ defence – with the Saints’ tall, athletic defenders zoning off and protecting space – as evidence of the challenge it posed.

“That’s where netball is heading,” she said.

Jones said her squad would enjoy the week off — that being, the reward for finishing second — and looked forward to the possibilities that finals promised.

Courtney Taylor

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hDFnl Finals

Back-to-back?

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

Edenhope-Apsley Saints

Edenhope-Apsley’s road to the finals

Coach: Sarah Domaschenz

Round 1: W. 59 d Jeparit-Rainbow 24. Home.

Round 2: W. 61 d Taylors Lake 22. Away.

Edenhope-Apsley

enters Horsham District league A Grade netball finals as favourites, having followed up last year’s premiership with an undefeated home-and-away season.

The Saints face stiff competition from last year’s runner-up Laharum and several other teams who could cause an upset on their day.

Saints coach Sarah Domaschenz said her team had committed to playing together again after last year’s success, running out two-goal winners in the grand final against the Demons.

“The dream is obviously to win back-to-back premierships, so we were all committed to working hard and bonding on and off the court,” she said.

Domaschenz said her team benefitted in the early games from the familiarity players had built up with each other in previous seasons, chalking up impressive wins against Jeparit-Rainbow and Taylors Lake.

“Most of us had played together already, so we knew each other well and how we wanted to execute our game,” she said.

“We built on our performances each week and used the limited time we have together to practice our structures.”

Domaschenz said the season provided opportunities for different players to come into the side, developing as players and changing the way the team played.

“We have tried to give our young players a taste of A Grade netball and a chance to learn from some experienced players in our squad,” Domaschenz said.

“Each combination stood up really well and provided us with something different, which we know we can draw on in finals.

“With a couple of new inclusions to the team, they brought with them some new ideas and strategies. With some unavailability, we have also had our B Grade and junior players join us.”

Alarna Proffit is among players who came into the team during the year, playing mainly in B Grade but featuring four times in the A Grade squad.

Domaschenz said its emphat ic win against NoradjuhaQuantong in round 15 was an opportunity to see the full-strength Saints team in action.

“That was the sec ond time this season we have had our full team available,” she said.

“We felt we improved on the execution of our basic skills against a quality team.

“The team really started to gel and we did a better job at applying our game plan consistently during four quarters.”

Domaschenz said, with finals around the corner, her team was feeling posi tive about its chances and had con nected as a team.

“The vibe around the club has been amazing and so have our supporters. We want to play in the grand final and would truly love to win another flag,” she said.

Round 3: v Kaniva-Leeor United, no game.

Round 4: W. 46 d Laharum 37. Away.

Round 5: W. 53 d Rupanyup 29. Home.

Round 6: W. 48 d Noradjuha-Quantong 25. Away.

Round 7: W. 88 d Swifts 11. Home.

Round 8: W. 39 d Pimpinio 25. Away.

Round 9: W. 51 d Natimuk United 14. Away.

Round 10: W. 45 d Kalkee 25. Home.

Round 11: W. 73 d Harrow-Balmoral 20. Away.

Round 12: W. 86 d Taylors Lake 20. Home.

Round 13: W. 56 d Jeparit-Rainbow 22. Away.

Round 14: W. 75 d Harrow-Balmoral 27. Home.

Round 15: W. 62 d Noradjuha-Quantong 26. Home.

Round 16: W. 55 d Rupanyup 29. Away.

* Highest score ** Lowest score

Total: Won: 16. Lost: 0. For: 908. Against: 356. Points: 64. Percentage: 255.06.

Players to watch

McDonald has been a standout player in the midcourt. Her timing and movement is a real strength. Her passing into the goal shooters will be crucial.

Fox is calm, composed and accurate under the ring. Her work-rate, in both attacking and defensive phases of play, is second to none and allows the Saints to set up with a full-court defence.

Sacha McDonald

Lavinia Fox

Emily Burgess

i t ’ s f i n al s t im e

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