Football
22 April, 2025
High quality clashes ahead for HDFNL this weekend
Three teams will look to continue their perfect start to the season when the Horsham District Football Netball League resumes action this week.
Three teams will look to continue their perfect start to the season when the Horsham District Football Netball League resumes action this week.
Pimpinio, Swifts, and reigning premiers Harrow Balmoral have two wins from as many starts, with all three sides on the road this weekend.
The top-of-the-table Tigers travel to Laharum to take on the fifth-placed Demons.
Pimpinio boast the best offensive record after two games, averaging 125 points per game, with Nick Groves (seven goals), Cullen Williams, five) and Dylan Bates (five) leading the 11 goal kickers for the Tigers so far.
However, Laharum's defensive pressure pushed the Southern Roos to the final whistle in round two.
The Demons' deep rolling zone limited Kalkee to just three goals in round one and was choking Harrow Balmoral until Cody Deutscher moved into the forward line.
Laharum will need leading the likes of goal kicker Chase Whelan (seven goals) to convert more chances up front, with the side kicking 21.31 across two games.
The Baggies head up the Western Highway to Dock Lake Recreation Reserve to take on the winless Lakers.
Justin Beugelaar and the Taylors Lake squad have scored well this season, averaging 73 points per game; however, its defence has conceded 112.5 points per game.
The Swifts' scoring prowess is mighty, with a percentage of 223.15 aided by the likes of Jordan Motton (nine goals).
Harrow Balmoral travel to Kalkee, who has not played since April 5 in round one, thanks to a bye and an Easter break.
While the Kees are fresh, Laharum trounced the side in round one, restricted to just 26 points.
It will be Kalkee's first home game for 2025, and the home crowd advantage will be strong; however, the impact of Deutscher, Mitchell Grant, and Jai Thompson must be limited.
Border club’s Anzac Day duel
The contest between Kaniva Leeor United and Edenhope Apsley will occur under lights on Anzac Day.
Cougars' coach Jonno Hicks said the game is more than four premiership points.
"Not only is it a really important game for us, it's a special one for both clubs," he said.
"Playing at home on Anzac Day in front of a home crowd is pretty amazing.
"We want to be able to showcase everything great about the clubs under lights."
Hicks said with the extra week off, he expected to see more players on the training track this week.
"We had a real solid hitout in round one, and a couple of boys pulled up sore," he said.
"The boys have recovered alright after the hot round two, which puts a bit of pressure on selections, which is what you want."
Both sides will be looking for the win for momentum and avoid falling further down the ladder.
Kaniva Leeor United has had one win this season, and a loss could see the Cougars fall out of the top six.
The Saints are winless after two games, and a 0-3 record would make the rest of the season difficult to ensure.
Cup clash highlights club's Anzac links
Natimuk United host Noradjuha Quantong in the annual Arapiles Cup.
First contested on Anzac Day in 2000, the Arapiles Cup showcases the force rivalry between the two clubs and the strong service links of the district.
Natimuk United, the result of a merger between Natimuk and Horsham United, has a direct link via the latter club to returned servicemen and women of the Second World War.
In recent years, the Bombers have held the Cup with two hands, winning the past three clashes by an average of 70 points.
Damien Cameron's men are in form, defeating Rupanyup by 134 in their season opener, while Natimuk United are yet to record a win.