Football
29 April, 2026
Cougars overcome fast-starting Saints
Kaniva Leeor United’s senior football side made it two wins in a row as they defeated Edenhope Apsley in their Horsham District Football Netball League Anzac Day clash.
Playing at Kaniva, the round three contest saw the Cougars kick 17.16 (118) to the Saints’ 7.10 (52).
But it was the visitors who got the better start, kicking three first-term goals, including two from Corey Williams, to take a 22-17 lead at the first break.
The Cougars then quickly scored five straight goals to start the second quarter, eventually entering halftime up 64-37.
Kaniva Leeor maintained control of the game in the second half, booting six third-quarter goals to take a 103-49 lead at the final break, and ultimately finished 66-point winners.
Tom Wilkinson led the winning team with five goals, while Jacob Eats booted four majors.
For the Saints, Matt Hodge led the side with three goals, while Corey Williams and Pierce Ferguson each had two goals.
Along with Wilkinson, Michael Manteit, Lachy Bates, Hamish Bennett and Sam Vivian were amongst the Cougars’ best players.
Along with the goal kickers for the Saints, Billy Cameron and youngsters Oscar Dunstan and Marcus McIntyre were standouts in their defeat.
Jonno Hicks, co-coach of Kaniva Leeor, said the side was able to improve on their turnovers and inside 50s after being outplayed early.
“We were able to win a bit more clean ball after that first quarter,” he said.
“Turnovers really hurt us early.
“Once we got the ball inside 50 with some deeper entries, we created more chances to score.
“Credit to Edenhope, who came out with a heap of intent and were really up for the challenge.
The Cougars coach added that he was impressed by the performances of numerous Saints’ juniors.
“They've got some really good quality kids in their team playing their first year of senior footy,” Hicks said.
“Hopefully they go on to play a lot of senior footy for them.”
Hicks said Manteit was outstanding for the side, with the midfielder available sparingly for the club in 2026 when not playing with VFL side Southport, where he, Wilkinson, Tyler Roos and Josh Clayton all won a 2018 NEAFL premiership together.
“Having Michael Manteit running around was a real luxury; he’s a star,” he said.
“He had a great work rate, he’s incredibly professional; we were really lucky to have him for the weekend too.
“Hopefully, he’ll get another few games with us before the season’s done, which is really exciting.
“Tom Wilkinson up forward really stood up for us as well.
“It’s nice to have a few new avenues to the goal this year and will help us going forward.”