Football
17 May, 2026
Women’s football season kicks off
The opening round of the Wimmera Football Netball League women’s football season commences this Sunday, May 17, where Laharum will host new side Natimuk United in the women’s senior game at Cameron Oval from 12pm.
The under 15.5 girls competition sees Laharum take on Horsham, with that game starting at 10am.
This year’s senior competition will also include reigning premiers Minyip Murtoa, who begin their season in round two.
The inaugural Natimuk United women’s side is raring to make its mark in the competition.
Following a long preseason, Rams coach Nathan Jenkins said the side is more than ready for their first hitout in the WFNL.
“We’re really pumped,” he said.
“We had a really good night on the track last night.
“It’s been a long six-month preseason, which is the longest preseason I’ve ever done.
“But the girls are really fired up and ready to go.”
The Rams go up against a Demons side that dominated the home-and-away season in 2025 but fell short at the final hurdle, succumbing to the Burras 28-15 in the grand final.
Laharum will be led again by coach Rod ‘Rocket’ Hogan, with Jess Cannane returning as captain.
The Natimuk coach expects a challenging first outing against the Demons, with wet weather expected to have an impact.
“The weather’s not looking very promising,” Jenkins said.
“Obviously, Rocket’s got the girls going well again.
“They were the standout side last year until, unfortunately for them, grand final day.
“It will be a really good test to see where we’re sitting and what we can work on.”
Natimuk is comprised of new footballers and experienced players, both locally and from afar, and will be led on the field by captain Teilah Britten.
“We've done really well recruiting,” Jenkins said.
“Teilah Britten, our captain, played football over in Kybybolite, so we've managed to get quite a few girls from that league (Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League) to come and play from Mundalla and Kyby.
“We've also got an influx of players from Longerenong College, which is really good.
“Thanks to Bella Hardy for that; she's bought a lot of those girls, which is fantastic.
Jenkins expects numerous players to have a strong impact on the team in 2026.
“Kim Parker is a Mundulla girl; she's probably the fittest person that I've seen hit a footy track, male or female,” he said.
“We've got Julia Rich, and she's played VFL for Collingwood and went through the Oakleigh Chargers in the TAC Cup.
“Locally, we got Ellie Treloar to come back after winning the flag for Horsham a couple of years ago.”