Football
20 August, 2025
Laharum secure finals spot
A decisive win over Rupanyup on Saturday secured Laharum’s position in the seniors football finals in the Horsham District Football Netball League.
The final-round clash saw Laharum kick 16.20 (116) to Rupanyup’s 2.5 (17).
The Demons showed their intent early, creating plenty of opportunities up forward, but with a strong crosswind impacting play for both teams, the visitors kicked nine behinds in the first quarter as they entered the first break up 27-8.
A hard-fought second quarter saw Rupanyup minimise Laharum’s momentum, making it a 36-10 game at half-time.
But the visitors put the game out of reach in a dominant third quarter, booting seven goals to take an 84-16 three-quarter-time lead.
Laharum maintained control in the final quarter, extending their lead to finish 99-point winners.
Shannan Argall was one of the best on ground, kicking six goals for the victors, with Josh Hustchinson chiming in with five of his own.
For Rupanyup, Daniel Weetra had another standout game, while Ryan Timmins and Cody Keddie each scored a goal.
Robbie Miller, co-coach of Laharum, said the side made some necessary adjustments at half-time to better suit the conditions.
“It was a bit of a tricky breeze and we were quite inaccurate with our opportunities in front of goal,” Miller said.
“We notified the group that we needed to create space for each other going forward through sheer work rate and unrewarded running, and the group responded to that, particularly in the third quarter.
“We played really good football throughout the second half of the game, which really broke it open.”
Miller praised co-coach Shannon Argall for his performance, saying his six-goal haul was reward for his strong leadership throughout the season.
“It is a great reward for him (Shannon),” Miller said.
“He’s been terrific over the last six weeks with the amount of injuries we’ve had.
“He’s really stood up and led when his body’s been hurting.”
Miller said he was happy that his side had made finals for the second year running after an injury-interrupted season.
“Every team step out to achieve that finals goal and it’s nice for it to come to the last round of the year; it shows how even the competition is,” Miller said.
“It was nice to secure that finals berth.
"We’re going to try to leave no stone unturned.
“Going through the second half of the year very injury-depleted gives us some extra resilience and hopefully we can secure a few wins.”