Netball
16 September, 2024
Demons finally get their elusive premiership
After being runners-up in 2022 and 2023, Laharum has finally secured that elusive premiership, defeating Rupanyup by two goals in the Horsham District Football Netball League A-grade netball final held at North Park in Stawell on Saturday.
The Panthers started well, with Zanaiya Bergen drawing first blood. Caitlin Jones-Story missed her first goal attempt, and the Panthers pounced, with Bergen scoring three of the following four goals and Maddison Morgan scoring the other to take an early 5-0 lead.
Laharum started to settle into the game, and when Emalie Iredell got them on the board, their confidence grew, and they levelled the scores 6-6.
Both teams were playing high-pressure netball, and Laharum edged clear towards the end of the first quarter to take a 12-10 lead into quarter-time.
With the rain coming down early in the second, it was goal-for-goal early until Laharum slowly clawed away, running out to a five-goal lead and holding that margin at half-time.
In the third quarter, Laharum started to edge away further and were playing better netball, forcing turnovers and capitalising on them. They scored 12 goals to six that quarter and led by 11 at three-quarter-time.
The fourth quarter mirrored the first, with the Panthers scoring the first five goals to peg the margin back to six before Iredell scored the Demons' first.
For the rest of the quarter, the Panthers started to claw their way back into the game and came home in a wet sail with the weather conditions hailing towards the end.
Laharum, however, hung on to record a memorable victory, 40-38.
Laharum coach Rebecca McIntyre said the nerves were building in the last quarter.
"I was very nervous and couldn't wait for the final siren to go," McIntyre said.
"Rupanyup is a quality team, and we missed a couple of opportunities, and they pounced on them and came back, and that's netball.
"When you are playing against good teams, with amazing players, you know they will never give up, and the Panthers did just that, and that's what A-grade netball should be."
"We knew it would be a four-quarter effort. We spoke all week about where we wanted to be and what we wanted to do, and it's a surreal feeling."
"It was a tough win, and we needed that lead because if the weather turned, it would hold us in good stead."
"At that final minute, we could hold our heads, and our experience meant we just kept possession of the ball."
"The win hasn't sunk in. It's very surreal."
McIntyre gave a great speech after the win.
I want to start by first thanking Rosemary and her board for the work and tireless hours they put in to allow us to play each week.
The staff, Jennie and Jayde, for their work in coordinating the competition.
Jo and the umpires every week. Without you, we would not have a competition.
Our amazing club and their supporters, thankyou so much for everything you have done to support us.
The whole football club, Hamish, our President and his board and especially Adele and Steph, our directors, you both have been instrumental in the support you have given us this year, and it's so phenomenal as a coach to have the full support of your club president and netball directors. Thankyou.
Rupanyup - Jedda, congratulations on making the first grand final your club has been involved in since 1986. You have all made history today for your club. You should be proud of what you have achieved, and you are paving the way for your club and its future generations. You played hard today and never gave up. Enjoy what you have achieved because you have all had a great season.
To my girls: What a collective of superstars we have. Maxie, there is no better team manager than you. Every year, you say no, but every year, you are here with us. We couldn't do it without you and I want you to know how much I value your help and advice as a playing coach. You deserve this win today as much as we all do. There is no one else I would have on the sidelines.
Bianca our gallant and never disappointing first aider. You are everything this club is and it runs in your veins. Thankyou for being apart of our journey all these years and making me always feel so loved and welcomed. This is another one for you, your family and especially your mum who paved the way at this club and did all the hard yards so we could stand here today and enjoy this success.
Our girls - words can't describe how much I love each and everyone of you. This rock solid unit we have created it's absolutely amazing.
We have proved that hard work and a never give up attitude, sticking together and backing each other pays off. You just have to do the time and you will reep the rewards.
We deserve this win. A perfect season undefeated and we have shown everyone what a group of country girls with big hearts can do if you stick together and keep working hard.
Liv, for being our captain, you have led us to this win. The third time is a charm.
Caitlin my assistant coach, I could not have done this without you and taking over the reins this year after all the work you have done and the foundations you have created. I am so glad we have been able to do this together.
To have this win with your best friends honestly does it get much better than that?
To my dad/Gazza who would be looking down on us so proud. Thankyou. We miss you and love you and this one is for you. Go Dees.