Netball
13 June, 2026
Undefeated sides meet in A Grade blockbuster
Edenhope and Laharum will contest the biggest game of the A grade netball competition to date this Saturday, June 13, at Edenhope in round nine of the Horsham District Football Netball League.
Both teams remain undefeated after eight rounds, with the Demons currently atop the ladder with eight wins.
Following their 40-40 draw to Noradjuha Quantong in round four, the Saints have continued to build form, winning their next three games by an average of 33.3 goals.
Laharum co-coach Brooke Taylor is excited to go against a Saints side that looms as one of her side’s main challengers for the 2026 premiership.
“It’s the two teams that are undefeated playing against each other, so it will be good to see where we're at and where they're at,” she said.
“We’ve been keeping an eye on their scores, and they’re obviously having a really good season.
“We've always had really good games against Edenhope over the last few years; they've always put out a strong team.
“When you play against a strong team, it usually makes you step up your level as well, so we're looking forward to it.”
Underlining Saturday’s game is the fact that the sides boast the two best shooting duos in the league.
Laharum’s Ilze Van Zyl and Caitlin Jones-Story have been phenomenal in the first half of the season, shooting a combined 532 goals.
While having fewer games under their belt, Dee Dee Lambert and Lavinia Fox have continued their 2025 form, knocking down 366 goals between the two of them.
The Laharum coach admits the matchups in the goal circles and across the court will be critical come Saturday.
“They’re really strong in goals, and we’re also really strong in goals as well,” Taylor said.
“I think both teams are really strong all over the court as well.
“It will certainly come down to the matchups on the day.”
One key player Laharum will be happy to have back is playing co-coach Ema Iredell, who missed the side’s last two games.
While her absence allowed for the squad’s younger players to get more opportunities, Taylor admits Iredell is critical to the side playing at its best.
“She directs the play down the defensive end; she’s a good talker, and she builds the confidence of those around her,” she said.
“Ema does very much lead from the front on the court.
“She takes a lot of intercepts as well, which takes the pressure off everyone else.
“Even if our goalies miss a shot or if we have a turnover, you know there’s a fair chance she’ll pick one off here or there.”
Taylor admitted their 58-50 win over Natimuk United in round eight was their most difficult game yet, but it will hold them in good stead for Saturday.
“That was our toughest game for the year,” she said.
“I think they’re stronger than what their position on the ladder indicates.
“It was really good for the girls to play under that pressure and to test their resilience and calm under pressure.”
Among the other matchups, Natimuk and Kalkee will have an eye on the finals as they meet at Natimuk on Saturday.
The Rams are currently seventh with three wins and four losses, but their strong performance against Laharum in round eight will have the side full of confidence.
Conversely, Kalkee will want to maintain its position in the top five.
At Quantong, the Bombers will eye their fourth straight win as they host Rupanyup.
After several close losses, the Southern Roos will look to get their second win of the season as they play Taylors Lake at Balmoral.
While the Lakers are ahead of Harrow Balmoral, close losses to Kaniva Leeor and Kalkee, as well as home-court advantage, will give the Southern Roos confidence for Saturday.
Redemption will be on the Tigers’ minds as they travel to Stawell to take on the Baggies.
Pimpinio suffered an agonising one-goal loss to Noradjuha Quantong in round eight, and a victory on Saturday could elevate them into the top five.