Football
7 May, 2026
Kees await dangerous Cougars
Kalkee’s senior football side remains as just one of two undefeated sides, but will travel to Kaniva to meet an equally in-form Cougars side this Saturday, May 9, in round five of the Horsham District Football Netball League.
The Kees backed up their win against Pimpinio with a strong 90-32 victory over Rupanyup in round four, despite challenging conditions.
And while coach Clint Burdett is confident following Kalkee’s strong start, he acknowledged that Kaniva Leeor pose another big test for his side.
“It's going to be a challenge, and we're ready for a challenge too,” he said.
“We're 3-0, and we saw this game on the draw at Kaniva was going to be our first real solid hitout, and we're really looking forward to it.
“We've prepped ourselves ready to go, and we'll see where we sit in amongst all the other sides as well.”
The Kalkee coach admits it has been good to see the team’s new game plan come to fruition early.
“We're very happy with where we're at,” Burdett said.
“It's been no easy game, to be honest; it's been tough.
“We were very rusty early against Taylors Lake, but we sort of found our groove against Pimpinio in the second half with a new side, new structures, new game plans.
“We're just starting to see the results now.”
Helping elevate the Kees this year has been the inclusion of Tanner Smith and Jye Walter, as well as the ongoing improvement from the side’s young midfield group.
Kaniva Leeor has strong similarities to their opponents, with proven forwards such as Jacob and Lochie Eats, and key midfielders like Tyler Roos and Lachy Bates, and both sides' defences are likely to be tested all game.
Cougars co-coach Jonno Hicks enters the home clash confident but expects another tough contest against Kalkee after some close encounters in 2025.
“They really pushed us last year,” he said.
“The first time we played them, we only won by four points and late in the season, it was very close at halftime, and we ended up getting on a real roll in the second half.
“They're a very proud club with a really successful history.
“It looks like they're one of the big improvers, so it'll be another big challenge for us at home, where we seem to play better footy.