Sport
24 June, 2023
100 years of Laharum Demons
By Alexandra Bull and Chris Graetz One of the oldest clubs in the Horsham and District Football League (HDFL) is celebrating a massive milestone this weekend when they come up against Natimuk in Round 10. Laharum Football and Netball Club joined...
By Alexandra Bull and Chris Graetz
One of the oldest clubs in the Horsham and District Football League (HDFL) is celebrating a massive milestone this weekend when they come up against Natimuk in Round 10.
Laharum Football and Netball Club joined HDFNL in 1963, but this season marks 100 years since the club first joined a football league.
At tomorrow’s home game, the club’s footballers will don heritage jumpers bearing 1022 names of previous players - the best the club could determine from the records kept between 1923-1962.
The netball teams will hit the courts in dresses honouring the 542 Senior/A-grade players who have represented the club since 1967
Jumpers and dresses were presented to players last night, and Demons coach Hamish Roberts said they are looking forward to tomorrow’s games, with club stalwarts tapped to toss the coins come game time.
The Demons have not clocked a win so far this season, but view tomorrow as their best chance to get a foot on the ladder.
“We need to put it on ourselves to play four quarters of football,” he said.
“We haven’t done that all year, but if we can string it together this week and continue to improve our skills, execution and decision making, we will give ourselves a great chance to win.”
The Demons will be boosted by the return of three key players this week, with midfielder Riley Lenehan, defender Cody Richards and wingman Josh McCluskey all returning from injury.
The club is asking all supporters to come dressed in red and black for a photoshoot and drone shot between the Reserves and Senior games, and join them for afternoon tea and guest speakers at 3pm.
Tickets have already sold out for Saturday night’s main event: a gala ball with formal dining, presentations, guest speakers, interviews and a live band, which will take place at Horsham Golf Club and includes an auction of the jumpers and dresses worn during the day’s games.
Centenary celebrations will continue on Sunday with a family day, community barbecue and the commemoration of the milestone with a time capsule and tree planting.