Football
11 April, 2026
New coaches lead Saints, Warrack in to battle
Both under new leadership, the Horsham Saints and Warrack will go head to head in the opening round of the Wimmera Football Netball League this Saturday.
Coach of the Horsham side, Angus Martin, said his team was feeling extremely positive heading into the match, having had a couple of good practices during their preseason where their game style and new players were exciting.
Eagles coach Kyle George said for his side, not making finals last season had meant an extended period away from the field and everyone had been missing their footy.
Martin has a full squad to select his team from for this week and acknowledged that, with the depth the club had for their footy side this year, there would be a couple of players who would be unlucky to miss out on selection.
Likewise, the Eagles also have depth, with all of their new recruits available for selection with the exception of Jackson Taurau, who is suspended.
Martin said it was crucial the Saints’ focused on their game this week but said they also needed to defend around the ground well, knowing the Eagles had recruited well, especially in the forward line and middle of the oval.
"We need to make sure we don't let those players get a run on," he said, adding that he wanted to back his side to win the one-on-one contests.
"It will be the midfield, I believe, where the game is lost or won, and who can get on top early will dictate the game massively."
George said he would be looking for effort for the entire game from the Eagles and they must not lapse at any stage and had to finish the quarters off strongly.
As for the crucial matchups, George has his eyes on the defenders at Warrack.
"Our backs need to match up on opponents," he said.
"We need to get that correct because we can't afford to let their forwards get on top."