Sport
15 June, 2025
Lahrum triumphant in Rocks Battle
As football and netball leagues across the country celebrated Indigenous Reconciliation Round on May 31 and June 1, two Wimmera clubs faced off in their own local version: ‘Battle of the Rocks’.
“Battle of the Rocks round is in its second year and was hosted by Natimuk United for the first time,” Laharum Football Netball Club secretary Rowena Doyle said.
“The aim is to conduct a game during National Reconciliation Week in collaboration with Natimuk United FNC.”
Doyle said participants believed the now-annual event created “an invaluable opportunity to raise awareness of Indigenous peoples and celebrate the origins of our national game in the Grampians (Gariwerd)”.
“The Grampians/Gariwerd holds a special place in the hearts of our community, and we are acutely aware of its significance to the Wotjobaluk people,” she said.
“We use this event as a platform to recognise and pay our respects to the Indigenous culture that enriches the history of our region.
“The proximity of our home ground in Laharum to Gariwerd provides a unique opportunity for us to engage with the community, learn from the Traditional Owners and celebrate the rich heritage of the area.”
Doyle said Laharum FNC chose to partner with Natimuk United FNC due to it being a close neighbour of Mt Arapiles (Dyuritte) and the profound importance of both Dyuritte and Gariwerd to the Wotjobuluk people.
“This event is conducted annually, with the location to be alternated between the two opposition clubs,” she said.
“The perpetual trophy is awarded to the club that wins the most games on the day, including all netball and football matches.
“This year it was close, with the A grade netball being defeated, but luckily both C grade teams were able to secure the wins with the trophy being won by Laharum, six games to four.”
Medals are awarded each year to the most valuable player in senior football and A grade netball.
“We believe this is also a great opportunity to promote Indigenous artists such as a Traditional Owner of the Wotjobaluk people, Kenita Lee McCartney, who designed the Laharum Indigenous football jumpers and dresses and netball position bibs,” Doyle said.
“Indigenous owner Imigo Dawn’s designs are used on the MVP medals and Wayne McGinnis designed the Battle of the Rocks perpetual trophy.
“Uncle Ron Marks, who has strong links to both clubs, conducted the welcome ceremony and we were honoured to have him involved in this round.”
