Football
28 May, 2026
Demons defeat Burras in thriller
The women’s senior football grand final replay between Minyip Murtoa and Laharum did not disappoint, with the Demons prevailing in a close encounter, kicking 5.3 (33) to the Burras’ 4.5 (29) at Murtoa Recreation Reserve.
It was the reigning premiers who got the jump on their opponents, with some good ball movement seeing Mikaela Turvey and Rory Starick kick goals early in the opening term.
But some strong marking and accurate kicking from Laharum forward Violet McGennisken helped the Demons level the score at 12-12 right on quarter-time.
McGennisken again struck early in the second quarter as Laharum dominated territory, before the Burras created opportunities late in the half but were unable to get it between the big sticks, giving Laharum a 19-15 half-time lead.
Aimee McAlpine extended Laharum’s lead early in the third quarter, but relentless forward pressure from Minyip Murtoa saw Claudia Griffths kick a goal before Mikaela Turvey kicked her second goal late in the quarter, giving the Burras a 28-25 lead.
Coming out for the fourth quarter, the Demons consistently entered inside 50, finally scoring through captain Jess Cannane.
Despite a late rally from the Burras, Laharum held on to win 33-25.
Violet McGennisken was one of the best on ground with her strong performance up forward while Catherine O’Dea, Lauren Sykes and Scarlet Abbott were impressive in the midfield for the Demons.
For the Burras, midfielders Claudia Griffiths, Stephanie Glover and Georgia McIntyre were among the side’s best, while Mikaela Wright and Abby Weir played well on the defensive end.
Laharum coach Rod Hogan credited the side’s experienced players for helping them get across the line in the final quarter.
“We just kept working and working and I think the experienced girls really stood up in that last quarter,” Hogan said.
“The likes of Jess Cannane and Violet McGennisken stepped up and found a bit more space as well.
“Sometimes you just get lucky, but I felt that we probably made our own luck.”
Asked about the performance of Catherine O’Dea on the wing, the Laharum coach said her impact was significant.
“Cat took a bit of a hit and came off for about 10 minutes and we really had to work to maintain possession of the footy and couldn’t seem to get it forward,” Hogan said.
“But when she comes on with her speed and pace, she really takes off.
“She was really good over the ball and continued to run through the footy, pick it up and go.
“We also had three or four new players come in for the game and they did a fantastic job too.”
In the under 15.5 girls' competition, the combined Burras and Horsham side defeated Laharum 5.7 (37) to 1.2 (8).
Sarah Furqan kicked two goals for the victors, with Sienna Morrison, Asha Meek, Boh Adams and Matisse Hose among the best for the Burras/Horsham.
For Laharum, Claudia Penny, Lilly Peucker and Emilly Little were among the best on ground, while Sarah Panter kicked their one goal.
Round three will see Horsham take on the combined Burras/Demons.
In the senior women’s competition, Natimuk United play their first home game of the season, taking on reigning premiers Minyip Murtoa for the first time this season.
Both sides will look to record their first wins of the year, with each having suffered losses to Laharum to start the season.