Football
3 June, 2024
Laharum win Battle of the Rocks
On Saturday, Laharum FNC and Natimuk United played in the inaugural 'Battle of the Rocks', to honour the local Indigenous heritage and the profound importance of both Gariwerd (Grampians) and Dyuritte (Mount Arapiles) to the Wotjobuluk people.
It will be an annual match, with Natimuk to host next year's and the winner is determined by the most wins on the day through all football and netball grades. Laharum won 7-4.
Laharum club president, Hamish Roberts, said it was a beautiful day.
"Both clubs worked really well together respecting our connection to the indigenous culture in our geographical areas, and it was beautiful," Roberts said.
"To partner with Natimuk considering our geographical areas made a lot of sense.
"It was a great day. The ceremonies before the A-grade netball and senior football and afternoon tea along with everyone that went on during the day went well and it was nice to celebrate our connection to the indigenous culture in our area."
"There was a big crowd and all games were played in the right spirit."
Roberts knew it would be a close contest and wasn't surprised the result was 7-4, citing it could have been closer.
"I had a bit of a look at ladder positions on the Friday night and what the potential result might be and I knew it was close," Roberts said.
"Considering the under-17s won by a point, and a netball match was decided by a couple of goals, it could have gone to anyone."
In senior football, Laharum won by 91-points.
The Demons kicked five goals to two in the first quarter to lead by 20 points at quarter time. In the second quarter, they held the Rams goalless to extend the margin to 63 points at the main break.
In the third quarter, Natimuk took it up to the Demons, losing the quarter by two points to trail by 65 points at the last break.
The Demons were relentless, kicking another four goals whilst keeping the Rams scoreless for a second quarter to win 18.9.117 to 4.2.26.
Robbie Miller was adjudged best on the ground with Riley Lenehan, Daniel Easson and Campbell Mason among their best players.
Lenehan also kicked a game-high four goals with Josh Hutchinson and Mason kicking three apiece.
For the Rams, Zachary Smith was their best player with Kane Bates Russell, Daniel Werner with Joey Nagorcka hitting the scoreboard with two goals.
Demons co-coach Shannon Argall said he was happy with a more well-rounded performance.
"Credit to Natimuk, they battled hard all day and really tested us at times and made it difficult for us," Argall said.
"We played a good four-quarter effort and there's still lots of things to work on but we continue to show we are a pretty hard team to score against.
"We can restrict teams' opportunities in their forward half and the two goals kicked against us in the first quarter were from skill errors and poor decision-making. We are firm believers that games are won on defence."
Argall pointed out Jarrod Kemp, Campbell Mason and John Doyle.
"Jarrod played wing and half forward and got a lot of the ball and was one of our best ball users and is an architect of getting the ball out of contests," Argall said.
"Campbell returned to us this year and played great across half forward. We have been trying to find a good spot for him and it looks like half forward is his position.
"John Doyle in the backline is athletic and injects a lot of speed in the backline. He provides great rebound and a lot of penetration and whenever we can create the turnover, we try and get the ball to him."
"It was a very special day for the club."
Netballers have a big win in Caitlin Jones-Story's 150th game
Caitlin Jones-Story celebrated her 150th in style, shooting 37 goals in Laharum's 66-26 goal win over Natimuk.
Natimuk challenged early, staying close to the Demons, trailing by 10 goals at quarter time.
The Demons started to get control in the second quarter, extending the lead to 21 goals at half time.
In the second half, they restricted the Rams to a further 12 goals as they scored 31 to run out 40 goal-winners.
Maddison Iredell came back from a week off, having gone up to QLD for a CrossFit championship, shooting 29 goals with Olivia Jones-Story great through the centre.
For the Rams, Emma Uebergang continued her terrific season with another 20 goals with Emily Hateley great through the centre.
Demons coach Rebecca McIntyre said it was an amazing day, especially hearing from the designer of the playing apparel, Kenita Lee McCartney.
"To be a part of the first battle of the rocks and to wear the Indigenous dresses, was pretty amazing and our girls were all very honoured to meet Kenita and hear her story on how she created the design," McIntyre said.
"It was great to win on the court, but more importantly recognising our traditional owners and Indigenous culture.
"I am proud of the club for creating this very important event."