Football
12 May, 2026
Dees triumph over Bombers
Laharum’s senior football side bounced back from their round four loss in impressive fashion, defeating ladder leaders Noradjuha Quantong in round five on Saturday May 9. At Quantong Recreation Reserve, the Demons kicked 16.8 (104) to Noradjuha Quantong’s 12.4 (76).
Having not beaten the Bombers since 2017, Laharum coach Robbie Miller said it was a good reward for the side, which entered the match with confidence.
“It does feel pretty good; Quanny have had the wood over us in previous years and coming here can be a very daunting challenge for this group,” Miller said.
“But I could just sense the belief within this group today, hoping to make a statement after a loss at home last week.
“It was nice to get the reward for the group and we won't just rest on that, thinking the job's done.”
It was Laharum who struck early, with forwards Phil Butsch and Jack Fenner scoring goals in the opening two minutes off some quick clearances from the ruck.
Judah Hobbs and Dylan Shelley responded with goals of their own for the home side, with the Bombers getting greater control of the possession late in the quarter, holding a narrow 14-13 lead at quarter-time.
The Demons then took complete control of the game for most of the second quarter, with the visitors consistently winning ball off the ruck and stoppages before creating good opportunities inside 50.
Seven straight goals, including three from Josh Hutchinson, saw the Demons take a 41-point lead before some critical goals late in the half by the Bombers brought the score to 62-33 at half-time.
Three quick goals early in the third quarter from the Bombers brought the game back to a three-goal margin; however, Laharum were able to slow the momentum with a timely goal from Coby Mines.
A Jack Fenner goal right on the third-quarter siren gave the Demons an 82-58 lead heading into the final term.
The home side again got to within three goals of the visitors, but a stoppage-heavy last quarter and composed play from Laharum saw them finish 28-point winners.
Josh Hutchinson and Jack Fenner were both strong up forward for the Demons, finishing with four goals each.
Daniel Easson and Monty Wynne were crucial in the midfield for Laharum, while ruckman Pat MacDonough and Bomber counterpart Jack Vague had a great battle in the middle all day.
Along with Vague, Brandon Ellis had a strong performance in the back six, and Dylan Shelley and Judah Hobbs were superb up forward, finishing with five and four goals, respectively.
The Demons coach said winning the one-on-one battles helped break the game open for them, crediting young players Monty Wynne and Josh Hutchinson for strong performances.
“We made it a one-on-one each stoppage and tried to win it that way,” Miller said.
“But it was blokes like Monty Wynne, Josh Hutchinson, who played a great game.
“So these younger guys were really stepping up, playing great football, and it was good to get reward going forward.
“We've probably played some patches like that and not put a score on the board so it was great for blokes to play their role, execute that and kick a winning score."
Asked about his side’s composure in the fourth quarter, Miller said at the final break he advised the team to play their usual game rather than approach it defensively.
“We spoke about it at three-quarter-time,” he said.
“We thought if we went to game-saving mode, Quanny were too good for that and they would probably overcome us.
“So we had to continue with our game plan, our blueprint and that structure: not collapsing on the stoppages, sticking to man on man and not allowing them easy exits or outlets.”