Football
24 May, 2026
Women set for grand final rematch
After pulling off an unlikely premiership win in 2025, the Minyip Murtoa senior women’s football side open their Wimmera Football Netball League season against their grand final opponents Laharum at Murtoa Recreation Reserve this Sunday May 24.
Burras coach Nick Cushing said his side would not rest on their premiership laurels, acknowledging the side was excited to open the season with a new game plan.
“We can’t roll into this year thinking too much about what happened last season, otherwise it’s going to hold us in pretty bad stead,” Cushing said.
“We’re going to have a different-looking team this year with different ball movement and style of play.
“The girls are raring to go and I’m keen to see how our preseason process has gone and if they’ve picked up anything I’ve taught them.”
The Burras coach said he expected a tough first-up game against Laharum, who defeated Natimuk United 93-0 in round one.
“Rocket (Rod Hogan) had the Laharum girls well drilled,” Cushing said.
“They moved the ball well and had pressure on the ball as well as I’ve seen in a women’s competition.
“We’re going to have to be wary of that.
“Some of their primer ball movers like Poppy Peters absolutely dominated the game so we might have to make a plan for her.”
But the Burras have plenty of talent of their own.
As well as keeping most of last year’s list, they've added several recruits, including former VFL player Kiara Woods.
“We’ve ended up gaining more than we lost, which is always good,” Cushing said.
“Kiara Woods played with Geelong in the VFL last year and she was really keen on playing with us.
“She will be a good asset to our forward line.”
Following their opening-round win, Laharum captain Jess Cannane said the team would have plenty to play for with last year's grand final in mind.
“It’s going to be a big test for us,” Cannane said.
“There are a few of the playing group who've gone through that grand final loss.
“To go through a season undefeated and then stumble at the final hurdle, I think we've got a lot to play for this week and really put into practice what we've been doing over preseason.”
In the under 15.5 girls' competition, Laharum will aim to bounce back from their first round loss as they go up against the combined Burras and Horsham side at Murtoa from 10am.