Football
1 May, 2026
Demons ready for Cougars challenge
Laharum’s senior football side will hope to continue their unbeaten start to the 2026 Horsham District Football Netball League season, but come up against a strong Kaniva Leeor United side in round four this Saturday, May 2.
The Demons had solid wins in their opening two games against Taylors Lake and Pimpinio, but found it hard going for most of the game-shortened victory over Rupanyup in round three.
Laharum coach Robbie Miller admits the side will learn from their round three performance, and will be bolstered by the return of numerous players.
“We use that game as a learning curve,” he said.
“We're a long way from our best, but there are always positives to take out of these games, and using them to hopefully become better for it.
“We'll have a good handful come back into the senior list.
“Our inclusions this week will hopefully strengthen a few key areas we need to address.”
Despite going against a Cougars side that has had impressive performances from key recruits like Lachy Bates and Tom Wilkinson, the Demons coach is confident the side can get on top on their home turf.
“Hopefully, back on our home ground, we can find the form we're tracking for,” Miller said.
“We don't want to get ahead of ourselves, but hopefully the result can take care of itself if we play good footy.”
Kaniva Leeor, co-coach Jonno Hicks, is encouraged by what he has seen from his team in their wins over Natimuk United and Edenhope Apsley, placing the onus on general improvement rather than results.
But the Cougars coach would like to challenge the Demons, admitting the mountain men have nullified his team in recent history.
“They’ve had our number the last couple of years, so we know it's a real challenge against them,” Hicks said.
“They've been really well coached for a couple of years, they’re well drilled, and in the past we've had trouble hitting the scoreboard against them effectively.
“The guys are looking forward to the game after they got a hold of us in the finals.
“Hopefully, we can come out and play some of our best footy, but it's more about still trying to get the process right.
“I don’t think we've played our best football yet, so we’re just trying to get that to click.”