Football
1 August, 2025
Kalkee look for Swifts upset
Kalkee's men's senior football coach Andy Devereaux believes some recent performances are a sign that his side will challenge the Swifts when they travel to Stawell this Saturday for round 16 of the Horsham District Football Netball League.
The 4-9 Kees enter the clash having pushed Pimpinio all game in a weather-affected match in round 15, and have been the best team outside the top six at challenging the top teams in the league.
But the visitors go against a determined Swifts side who must win to keep their finals chances alive.
As well as playing in Stawell, the Swifts will go into Saturday feeling confident, having defeated Kalkee 149-55 back in May.
Devereaux is conscious of their last encounter and knows the midfield battle will be crucial in trying to nullify the Swifts' momentum.
"They've (the Swifts) got quite a handy midfield," Devereaux said.
"They're quite quick with their ball movement, and when they're on top, they can really get the momentum, and it's really hard to stop a team like that.
"Their forward line is dynamic as well, with Jordan Motton doing quite well this year as a recruit for them.
"Our midfielders have done quite well over the last couple of weeks to try and stifle teams in that area.
"If we bring what we've done over the last couple of weeks and the games we've won, then I think we're in with half a chance."
Kalkee have been dealt the most demanding schedule of the 2025 season, the only team to play against every top six team twice, but Devereaux views this final stretch of challenging games (Swifts, Kaniva Leeor, Noradjuha Quantong) as a great opportunity for the young team.
"I think back to when I was younger, and I think experience is a massive thing, so to get games like this under their belt is going to be super important for them," Devereaux said.
"From the young guys' perspective, I've been really impressed with how they've applied themselves this year.
"These next three weeks, you just want to see those kids continue to thrive and continue to put their hand up in the sense of contested footy.
"If we can continue to build on that, then that's where a club really builds its foundations."