Football
21 May, 2025
Laharum take honours in historic clash
Laharum defeated Minyip Murtoa to win the first game of the inaugural women’s football season on Sunday in the Wimmera Football Netball League.
In an evenly contested battle, Minyip Murtoa held a 12-7 lead after the first quarter before a strong second term saw Laharum lead 19-12 at half-time, eventually winning 3.5 (23) to 2.0 (12).
Earlier in the day, the under 14.5 girls kicked things off, with Minyip Murtoa-Warrack defeating Laharum 10.14 (74) to 5.5 (35).
In a pre-match presentation before the seniors' game, Verneeta Taylor from Women’s Health Grampians, acknowledged the launch of women’s football as a significant moment of equality for women.
Essendon AFLW player Alex Morcom conducted the ceremonial coin toss.
Morcom, originally from Warracknabeal, said she was impressed with the turnout of supporters.
“It’s great to be here,” Morcom said.
“I didn’t know just how big this was; it’s just wonderful.”
Essendon’s women’s side has just commenced preseason training and Morcom said watching Sunday’s game added an extra level of desire to play.
“Seeing them out there playing, that’s the best part of it all," Morcom said.
For the senior women, Laharum’s Jessica Cannane and Ruby Manson were among the best players, while Ashlee Ison and Tegan Kerrins were the best for Minyip Murtoa.
Laharum’s Tarah Bond earned the honour of scoring the first-ever goal in women’s football for the league.
Rod Hogan, Laharum women’s senior coach, claimed the win was a bonus to the development he had seen from the players.
“I couldn’t be happier with the way they play,” Hogan said.
“Their skills have picked up that much in the last three weeks and I think I'm more pleased in that than actually being in front of the scoreboard.”
With many players new to the game, Hogan said he was excited by the spirit in which the women were embracing football.
“The girls are bloody respondent,” Hogan said.
“They’re still learning but they’re a sponge: nearly all of them just want more information,” Hogan added.
“They come over and ask plenty of questions, so they’ve been absolutely terrific.”