Football
2 June, 2026
Seven straight for Cougars
Kaniva Leeor United’s senior football side have moved to the top of the ladder, solidified by a commanding victory over Rupanyup in round eight of the Horsham District Football Netball League on Saturday May 30. At Rupanyup, the Cougars kicked 18.11 (109) to the Panthers’ 6.9 (45).
The visitors got plenty of early inside 50 opportunities but Rupanyup's effort in the contest restricted Kaniva Leeor to three first-quarter goals, with the Cougars holding a 21-7 lead at the first break.
Riley Downer kicked his second goal early in the second term off a great Sam Chapman delivery, before the Cougars dominated the remainder of the half.
Led by effective disposals in the middle and up forward by Blake Dodson, the visitors kicked five unanswered goals to lead 54-15 at half-time.
Two early Cougar goals to start the second half suggested it would be a repeat of the second quarter, but the Panthers rallied to kick the next two goals.
Both sides had their fair shae of forward 50 opportunities but Kanvia Leeor capitalised on their clean entries, extending their lead to 48 (86-38).
Rupanyup’s Will Noble scored the first goal of the final quarter before Riley Vivian put the game out of reach for the home side with two consecutive goals.
The Cougars kicked three more before finishing 74-point winners.
Riley Vivian and Lachy Bates were among the best for the Cougars, each kicking four up forward, while Tyler Roos and Blake Dodson dominated in the midfield, with the pair each kicking three majors.
Riley Downer was best on field for Rupanyup and led the side with three goals, while Daniel Weetra, Luke Yeates, Xavier Pumpa and Jack Kreuzberger also had good performances.
While pleased with the side’s improved ball movement up forward, Cougars co-coach Jonno Hicks said he thought his team’s defensive pressure was very impressive.
“Our ball movement forward was better and our spread of goal kickers was better,” Hicks said.
“But the focus this week was actually our defensive stuff.
“We feel like we've been leaking too many goals and even the games we've won have been turning into shootouts.
“Our back six have been competing well in their one-on-ones but they need help from our midfield to make sure those kicks are coming in under pressure.
“Credit to Rup, who came at us a couple of times, but it was nice to see us hold them off pretty well and execute our plan a bit better this week.”
As well as crediting the backline, the Kaniva Leeor coach praised Blake Dodson, who along with Tyler Roos, was effective when shifted forward.
“Guys like Jock Maddern and Patrick Munn in our back six have been massive for us,” Hicks said.
“We’ve got a range of guys who can run on-ball for us at the moment so it’s a luxury to have Tyler and Blake roll forward.
“Blake’s obviously a star; it would be nice to have 10 of him.
“He can kind of play anywhere and fill in any role when we need him to.”
While taking care to not get ahead of himself, Hicks said he is pleased to have seven wins at this stage of the year.
“Seven straight is nice,” he said.
“We started three years ago with seven straight losses so it’s a nice turnaround to be 7-1.”