Football
17 April, 2026
Grand final rematch awaits
Noradjuha Quantong will get a chance at early-season redemption when they face the reigning premiers at Harrow Reserve this Saturday, April 18.
The Bombers finished the 2025 home and away season on top of the ladder, but the Southern Roos proved too strong across the park in last year’s grand final, winning 67-23.
Bombers assistant coach Wade Francis is excited about the prospect of getting one up over Harrow Balmoral.
“It's always tough to lose a grand final, and I think to get an early opportunity to redeem ourselves is exciting,” Francis said.
“We know how good they are, and they’ve been the powerhouse of the competition for a long, long time now.
“So I've got no doubt they're still going to be one of the teams to beat this year.
Both sides will likely enter this Saturday’s round two clash with similar sides to the 2025 grand final.
For Noradjuha Quantong, Jye Walter is one of the main exits for 2025 and will suit up for Kalkee this year.
For Harrow Balmoral, Simon Close and Dalton Burns retired in the offseason.
Despite the loss of the multi-premiership players, Francis acknowledged the proven record of the Southern Roos’ style and structure, regardless of who is playing.
“You never hear too much about them, but they always play to the same system, and that’s why they’ve been so good for so long,” he said.
“We're going to have to be on our game to try and stop the way they play, but once we get the ball on our terms, we really want to try and make the most of that.”
Each team enters the rematch with round one wins after Haroow Balmroal defeated Kaniva Leeor United 81-44, and the Bombers defeated the Swifts 87-40.