Football
24 April, 2026
Cougars host Saints for twilight clash
Kaniva Leeor United’s senior football side will hope to continue the momentum from their round two win when they host Edenhope Apsley in this Saturday’s Anzac Day clash at 5.30pm.
The Cougars fought off a spirited Natimuk United side to win their first game of the season 115-98.
Kaniva Leeor co-coach Jonno Hicks said Saturday’s game will be a great occasion, with the rare opportunity of playing under lights.
“It's a real privilege to be able to play on Anzac Day like we did last year with the lights on and show off our facilities,” Hicks said.
“We're very lucky at the work the community has put in to get our club and our facilities to the standard they are.
“It’s pretty exciting to have it on the calendar, and hopefully it’s something ongoing for years to come.
“It will be a special one at home.”
The home side will meet a Saints team who came agonisingly short of a long-awaited victory in round two, going down to Rupanyup 63-53.
While the result went against them, Edenhope Apsley showed encouraging signs, including good games from recruits Billy Cameron and Corey Williams.
The Cougars will be favoured in Saturday’s match-up and should be close to full strength following last week’s hard-fought win.
“There were some big contests, and the guys covered a lot of ground last week, so we'll have a few sore bodies,” Hicks said.
“We'll manage pretty well this week on the track, but nothing too serious on the fitness end, which is nice.”
The Kaniva Leeor coach expects one of their own recruits to keep progressing after showing flashes of his ability in the opening two rounds.
“Lachy Bates, he's got some pace; he’s done some pretty fun stuff at training, and I think once he finds his feet, he will be one to watch,” Hicks said.
“He's actually been a bit rusty, actually, but having him as an option up forward is pretty exciting; he’s fitting in really well.”