Football
14 April, 2026
Fenner’s eight lifts Demons over Lakers
Recruit Jack Fenner provided an immediate impact in his first Horsham District Football Netball League game, kicking eight goals to help Laharum record a round-one victory over Taylors Lake on Saturday April 11.
Playing at Dock Lake Recreation Reserve, Laharum were pushed all game by the home side, scoring 12.15 (87) to the Lakers’ 8.2 (50).
Little separated the two sides early on, with the home side holding a 12-10 lead at the first break.
A five-goal second term swung the game Laharum’s way and they entered half-time up 43-18.
But sustained pressure from Taylors Lake saw them get the better of the Demons in the third, staying within reach as the visitors led 54-38 at three-quarter-time.
An improved goal-kicking quarter from Laharum helped them maintain and extend their lead in the final quarter, closing out the game with a 37-point victory.
Fenner led the Demons at the forward end with eight goals and Brodie Mines kicked two.
Across the field, Daniel Easson and Monty Wynne were impactful in the midfield while ruckman Pat MacDonough had a strong first game for the Demons.
For the Lakers, recruit Jude Poyser was one of the best on the ground, finishing with two goals, and Patrick Lindsey kicked another two.
Dylan Bates, Jayden Scott, Justin Beugelaar and Bray Cullinan were among the best for the home side.
Laharum coach Robbie Miller said he was pleased with how the side played in key moments, acknowledging that Taylors Lake provided a tough encounter.
“It was a challenging game,” Miller said.
“Taylors Lake have improved well and that’s a credit to their coaching staff and their players.
“They moved the ball quite well and really challenged us.
“But our group of boys responded when the challenge was there with different blokes standing up at various key moments, which was pleasing to see.”
While the Demons coach said the goal kicking could have been better, he said he was pleased at the chances being created forward.
“We didn't quite hit the scoreboard with goals as much as we would have liked and they were kicking quite well in front of goals,” Miller said.
“It's still nice to have that number of 25-plus scoring shots for a game of football.
“It shows that we're creating opportunities so it would be pleasing to straighten that up and rectify that a little bit, but it's still pleasing enough to be having that many shots on goal.”
Asked about Fenner’s strong first game for the side, Miller said the performance highlighted the forward’s versatility.
“It wasn’t just a one-man show, so to speak, but to kick eight goals is nothing to laugh at,” he said.
“He provides us that forward presence, and if he's not clunking a mark he's just as dangerous as well once the ball is on the ground.
“He wasn't just kicking his goals from set shots; he's quite versatile when the ball does hit the deck.”