Football
4 April, 2025
Spotlight on HDFNL season opener
After more than 200 days of anticipation, the Horsham District Football Netball League returns to action on Saturday, April 5.
Back-to-back football premiers Harrow Balmoral will look to continue its undefeated streak as they travel to the Dock Lake Recreation Reserve.
The Southern Roos have not lost a game since April 15, 2023; however, hosts Taylors Lake will not be pushovers.
Coach Justin Beugelaar proved the Lakers are no pushovers, winning four games in 2024, including a thriller against finalists Pimpinio.
Meanwhile, the Tigers must travel west to Edenhope to take on the Saints.
Pimpinio enjoyed a hot start last season, earning five wins in the first five rounds, before falling short against Noradjuha Quantong.
After recruiting strongly during the summer, the Tigers are confident of maintaining momentum in 2025.
Standing in their way is hosts Edenhope Apsley, who boast prolific goalscorer Jason Eagle among its new players in 2025.
The Swifts will be a keenly watched outfit this season; after a hot start, they dropped out of finals contention in straight sets.
Brett Hargreaves and the boys from Stawell will be keen to show their might against Natimuk United.
However, they must do so without 2024 leading goal kicker Paul Summers, who returned to crosstown rivals Stawell Warriors during the offseason.
Laharum's quest to return to glory starts at home against Kalkee.
The Demons enjoyed a fairytale run in 2024, going from the bottom of the ladder in 2023 to fourth 12 months later.
With a tougher fixture this year, Laharum's quality will be tested plenty of times in the first four rounds.
The Kees, grand finalists in 2022, will be looking to blood its young players at the senior level, building on 2024's development year.
Rupanyup will be looking for more than four premiership points when it hosts Kaniva Leeor United.
The Panthers bolstered its stocks during the summer and will look for plenty of positives on Saturday.
Noradjuha Quantong, the 2024 grand finalists, must wait another week before its 2025 campaign begins. A round one bye keeps them at bay for another week.
Following one of the best finals series in recent memory, the HDFNL senior netball competition will be one to watch.
Defending premiers Laharum host Kalkee in the game of the round.
While the Demons will play without star Caitlin Jones-Story, the Kees take the court without Penny Fisher; however, the depth of both squads should make up for the omissions.
Rupanyup, last year's grand finalists, will look to start their 2025 campaign off against Kaniva-Leeor United.
The Panthers welcomed Holly Ross to its squad during the summer; however, the Cougars were no pushovers in 2024 and should test the hosts for all four quarters.
Edenhope Apsley will look to test out its new combinations against Pimpinio.
The Saints added Victorian Netball League players Olivia Spence and Mia McCran-Peters during the offseason with an eye on returning to the grand final in September.
Natimuk United hosts the Swifts in a game that could go in either direction.
The Rams added Tara McIntyre from Harrow Balmoral, a talented goalscorer, who won the league's 17-and-under best and fairest in 2024.
After an injury-ravaged year, Baggies' coach Amy Kenny is keen to see a full-strength side take the court on Saturday.
Highly-lauded coach Sharon Fedke will lead Taylors Lake in a new era.
The Lakers hosts Harrow Balmoral, who are focused on returning to the finals in 2025.