Football
17 April, 2026
Cougars take on dangerous Rams
Kaniva Leeor United’s senior football side will hope to avoid consecutive losses when they travel to Natimuk to take on the Rams in round two of the Horsham District Football Netball League this Saturday, April 18.
The Cougars had the tough challenge of facing Harrow Balmoral in the opening round of the season, putting in a valiant effort before going down 81-44.
While there were encouraging signs, Kaniva Leeor co-coach Jonno Hicks admits the team lacked in execution in the round one loss.
“I think we competed really well early, but they were just better on than us on the outside, and they played a bit smarter football with the conditions,” he said.
“At the start of the game, we had plenty of opportunity and lots of inside 50s, but just couldn't convert or had shallow entries.
“Plus, we’ve just got to be a bit better with the footy.”
“I think Harrow will still be around the top end of the league, so certainly not a disastrous start, but I would have liked to acquit ourselves better.”
After an improved year in 2025, Natimuk United’s 87-28 win over Rupanyup in round one suggests the young side may have taken another leap in 2026.
Impressed by the Rams in their two matchups last season, the Cougars believe the addition of recruits like Henry Gould will make this Saturday’s clash even more difficult.
“I think they were actually a quality side last year with a lot of young kids,” Hicks said.
“We had a really tight game with them first time around, and in the second game, we played some of our better footy with a pretty full list.
“But their young fellas can really play, and with a couple of recruits this year, I think they'll be one of the teams on the rise.
“So it's a game where we know we're going to have to play our best footy away from home and ideally improve on what we started in round one.”
Giving the Cougars a boost will be the return of two key players.
“Riley Vivian will come in and really help our forward half,” Hicks said.
“Blake Dodson, our 2025 best and fairest winner, is also back and will be a big help.”