Football
27 May, 2026
Irwin’s 12 leads Saints over Rams
A 12-goal performance from Saints recruit Will Irwin helped to guide Edenhope Apsley’s senior football side to an emphatic 21.8 (134) to 9.6 (60) win over Natimuk United in round seven of the Horsham District Football Netball League on Saturday, May 23.
Stoked by his team's performance across the park, Saints coach Toby Ferguson credited the side’s midfield for laying the foundation for the win.
“It all started in the middle,” Ferguson said.
“Matt Hodge and Billy Cameron worked really hard in there to win the clearances and give our forwards the opportunity.
“It was a great start, and we continued on with it for the remainder of the game."
Playing at Natimuk, the sides scored an early goal each in the opening quarter before the visitors started to capitalise, booting four straight goals to end the quarter with a 31-7 lead.
The Rams created more forward opportunities in the second quarter as the two sides traded goals for much of the second term.
But Edenhope Apsley added two late goals to finish the quarter 6.0 and enter half-time with a 32-point lead (67-35).
With six goals already to his name, full forward Will Irwin capitalised on deep-inside-50 entries from his teammates to kick three goals in the first five minutes of the second half.
Two consecutive goals midway through the quarter helped Natimuk to stay in the game, but the Saints continued to dominate the contest and finished the quarter with three straight goals of their own to lead 111-47 at the final break.
Edenhope Apsley then comfortably closed the game out in the final quarter to take a 74-point win.
As well as Irwin’s 12 goals, Corey Williams kicked four majors for the Saints, while Tom, McDonnell, Matt Hodge and Billy Cameron had dominant games in the midfield, and Josh La Rocca was impressive from halfback.
For Natimuk, AJ Lupton and Cody Frizon kicked three and two goals, respectively.
Will Kennedy, Zachary Smith, Henry Gould and Mitchell Clarke were among the best for the Rams.
Ferguson said he was finally able to recruit Irwin in recent weeks, adding that the forward did well to convert the great opportunities the side created.
“Will was massive today,” he said.
“The delivery was really good as well; the mids laced him out a fair few times, which was nice for him, but you've also got to convert, and he did with 12.1 today.
“Will is someone we've been in contact with for the last 12 to 18 months, and I spoke to him about three weeks ago about coming down and playing today at Natimuk.
“It was lucky to get him down from Darwin last night, which was nice, and the trip down with us boys from Adelaide.
“So to get him to kick 12 was really pleasing there.”
The Saints coach said the growing connectivity of the playing group, particularly in the middle of the park, continued to fuel improved performances.
“I think we've spoken previously about building, week in, week out, and just started gelling a little bit more as a group,” Ferguson said.
“We've got the young fellas Tommy McDonnell there in the ruck, who’s just starting to find his feet against the older mature ruckmen, and he swaps out with Harry Fry.
“I think they work really well together in the ruck, which is obviously helping to get first use of the ball, which has been good.”