Football
8 June, 2024
Battle for top two wide open
At the halfway stage of the Horsham District Football Netball League football season, the top six looks to be set and it's a matter of finding out who is going to finish top two and get the coveted second chance.
Harrow Balmoral, like last season, is undefeated. Over the last few weeks, however, they have come back to the pack due to injuries and improvement of other teams but have quality all around the ground, led by an injection of talented youth that is keeping them ahead.
Laharum nearly defeated them three weeks ago, and one could argue that a more experienced, polished Laharum would have got the job done.
Rupanyup pushed them for four quarters two weeks ago and then last week they found their groove to run away from another top team, Pimpinio.
It's the battle behind Harrow Balmoral that is heating up with five teams in contention of taking that second spot, and even top spot should the Southern Roos falter in the second half of the season.
In second place a game clear is the Swifts whose only blemish this year was against the Southern Roos at Balmoral, a game which they were in for two quarters.
In positions three to six, all on five wins are Rupanyup, Laharum, Noradjuha Quantong and Pimpinio.
Three games behind on two wins are Kalkee and Taylors Lake. Kalkee has hit the winners board recently with wins over Kaniva Leeor and Taylors Lake. Whilst both are still mathematical chances to make the top six, a lot of improvement and luck would need to come their way.
Natimuk, Edenhope Apsley and Kaniva Leeor are all on one win, and have no chance to play in finals so the season will be about development for those clubs.
Rupanyup is looking good in the third spot on the ladder. They have a full squad to choose from.
Laharum are the surprise packets of the season. Having not won a game last year, they have their eyes firmly set, not only on finals but making an impact in the finals.
Noradjuha Quantong has battled injury, with Damian Cameron missing a chunk of the season and Wade Francis still a few weeks away from a broken collarbone.
Pimpinio, their issue is their second halves. In every game this year they haven't put a team away and let teams back in the game. It's a problem that coach Guy Smith needs to address.
In the goal kicking, in what is a surprise if Swifts recruit Paul Summers, kicking 48 goals in seven games.
The defender-turned-forward, who came across from Stawell Warriors has been a revelation. He is on track to kick 100 goals for the season before finals, and with potentially one or two finals, he should reach that mark if he keeps up his form.
Justin Beugelaar is kicking bags of goals and will always be a focal point up forward for Taylors Lake. He is sitting second on 30 goals.
The Dellar Medal, for the league best and fairest, is wide open with a few players having stellar seasons. Midfielders Robbie Miller and Daniel Easson have consistently been the best for Laharum this season.
For Rupanyup, Bill Hansen has found his groove again and reigning medalist Mitchell Gleeson has been consistent this season.
Pimpinio's contingent is led by Adam Westley, Jason Westley, Dylan Bates and Matthew Rosier.
Matt Nield is having a solid season for Kalkee, but the lack of wins will be an issue for votes. Likewise Brock Summerhayes for Edenhope Apsley and Bray Cullinan and Justin Beugelaar for Taylors Lake.
For the Swifts, Paul Summers has been consistent and should be getting the votes but Ryan Folkes is the most consistent for them and has probably been their best player alongside Summers this season.
Harrow Balmoral midfielder Jai Thompson has kicked 19 goals in seven games and has been named in their best on seven occasions.
Finishing amongst the top place-getters last year, he is having a better season this year and is the favourite in my calculations.
There is a lot to play for in the second half of the season, with the battle for second place set up to be the closest in recent years.