Football
22 April, 2024
Laharum record first win since 2022
Laharum has secured their first win since June 18, 2022, with a 21-point victory over Kalkee at Cameron Oval on Saturday.
Kalkee had the run of play in the first ten minutes but couldn't capitalise on their chances. The Demons fought back to get the game on their level and set the game up in the first half, holding Kalkee to one goal whilst kicking five themselves to take a 29-point lead into halftime.
The Kees, however, didn't lay down as they outscored the Demons in the third quarter to reduce the margin to 18 points at three-quarter time.
The Demons kept them at bay in the last quarter, running out 9.11.65 to 7.2.44 winners.
Astrin Morrison kicked two goals for the Demons whilst Kalkee's Deacan Campbell kicked a game-high three. Matt Nield, Louis Beddison and Hamish Exell were some of the better players for the Kees.
Daniel Easson was again at his brilliant best for the second consecutive week for the Demons, whilst Brett Ervin, Shannon Argall, Sean Wouters, Robbie Miller and Pat Lattanzio were also among the best on the ground.
Coach Shannon Argall said it was a special moment when the final siren blew.
"The fact that we have put in so much work as a club, it was jubilation," Argall said.
"Even though it is one win, it shows that we are reaping the rewards from our hard work and effort and it was a special win."
There is usually a lot of movement at football clubs over the years, but at Laharum, they have stuck together with at least 14 players yesterday who played in their last winning team.
After last year, where they struggled, the club stuck together and Argall said the win is just a testament to the character of the playing group.
"Everyone stuck around and worked hard to rebuild and it's a credit to the playing group with their character and resilience," Argall said.
Argall loved how the playing group bounced back after the first ten minutes.
"We fought phenomenally and settled and once we made a couple of structural changes, we started to get on top, particularly through the wing with Reuben Elliott and Jarrod Kemp getting on the outside of the contest and creating drive," Argall said.
"In the third quarter, we lacked a bit of focus but we were able to shut it down and show resilience to be on top at three-quarter time."
When asked what his message to the playing group at three-quarter time was, Argall said just to keep cool heads.
"We spoke about mindfulness and being aware and sensing the game and not getting caught up in the emotion," Argall said.
"There are times when you are in control and times where you just need to absorb pressure and get back to basics.
"Credit to the boys. They listened and showed growth. Last week we didn't know how to win and this week we grew a lot and learned a lot from last week."
With Easson starting the season with another brilliant display through the midfield, Argall said he is a quality player.
"He is an absolute general and has a heart of a lion," Argall said.
"His work rate is second to none and the boys love him. He is such a fantastic leader and generates drive for the team. He is loved by everyone at the club."
The other thing that stood out in Laharum's win, is they had eight individual goal kickers and Argall said it is a huge positive.
"Last week we had about 14 differentials of inside 50s and had our opportunities," Argall said.
"This week we made a few structural changes and the growth of the playing group was there. Everyone improved and we were able to capitalise inside 50.
"They learned from last week and are starting to reap the rewards for their hard work."