Netball
3 April, 2026
HDFNL 2026 preview: Laharum recharged for title run
After player unavailability affected their 2025 finish, a reloaded Laharum A-grade netball side again appears to be one of the competition's frontrunners for 2026.
Taking over from the 2024 premiership coach, Rebecca McIntyre, is key defender Ema Iredell and former club B-grade coach Brooke Taylor.
Although neither has coached an A grade team, Taylor believes the duo would bring a balanced approach to the 2026 campaign.
“One of Ema’s key strengths is strength and conditioning, which has been huge in preseason,” she said.
“She is really good with the on-court game strategy as well.
“With Ema being such a key player who is regularly in the action, we thought it would be helpful to have somebody off the court, such as myself, who can see the whole court and make observations that way.”
While the side will be without McIntyre or midcourter Lilly Weir, the Demons will be strengthened by returning players and recruits.
After missing most of 2025 for her pregnancy, key shooter Caitlin Jones-Story returns to the team.
The addition of Ilze Van Zyl could be the biggest offseason move in the league.
The youngster comes off a player of the match performance in last year’s grand final to help Rupanyup win the premiership.
Having recently had a child, Taylor expects Maddie Iredell to return partway through the season and is also excited by new player Jaspa Robinson in the preseason.
“Maddie will be back at some point for us, and I don’t think bouncing back to fitness will be a real big problem for her,” she said.
“We have a new defender coming in, Jaspa Robinson from Mansfield, whose parents played for Laharum years ago.
“She impressed us throughout the preseason and the tryouts.”
The mix of versatility, experience and youth has Taylor excited about the possibilities for the team.
While the team definitely has eyes for the premiership, the co-coach knows there are plenty of elements to figure out.
“We’re excited about what we’re putting together,” Taylor said.
“We’ve got a really good mix of youth and experience, such as the core players like Cato (Caitlin Jones-Story), Maddie, Ema, and Liv Jones, that have been together for years, and now there’s some additional youth in the mix.
“There’s a bit for us to work out in terms of combinations, including on the shooting end.
“Cato’s been one of the strongest goalies in the competition, Maddie’s always really strong on that end, while Ilza brings a different dimension, particularly with her speed.
“But the majority of players can probably play at least three positions, which is a really handy thing to have.”