The next step...
Just how elusive is an A Grade netball premiership? Just ask Laharum in Horsham District competition.
The Demons, who have never won an A Grade pennant, have been tantalisingly close to enjoying ultimate season success only to consistently fall short of the finish line.
Last year was a prime example when a potent and confident Laharum side pushed through the season undefeated and then crashed against Natimuk United in the grand final.
It is a circumstance far from lost on Laharum players and officials, including club senior netball director Bianca Mibus.
Ms Mibus confirmed a desire to push deeper into finals and enjoy ultimate success was driving many players throughout the club.
“Finishing off the season strongly is a priority,” she said.
“Our A Grade has been successful during the past few years but we haven’t been able to finish off the season.
“That’s what is driving the girls who want to go the next step.”
Laharum has enjoyed outstanding contemporary success on the netball court, with only one team missing the finals in three years.
“Laharum has always been known for being strong in footy and it’s really exciting to think we’re doing the right things in netball,” Ms Mibus said.
“We’re reaping many rewards for all the hard work, which has involved being strong in junior development, but we obviously want to go further.
“We’re consistent and we’ve tasted a bit of success overall.
“But going that little bit harder to go a little bit further is driving everyone.”
The Demons have had good numbers at pre-season training under a new A and B grade coaching partnership of Caitlin Story and Emma Mellington.
“We’ve been quite lucky in recruiting and with the season approaching so quickly we’re trying to get ourselves fit and ready for round one,” Ms Mibus said.
“Erin has stepped up into the joint coaching role.
“We’re lucky to have her on board as a player and person around the club.
“We’re also very excited that Zandria Malone from Warrack Eagles is coming across.
“She’s a very handy pick-up and we can’t wait for her to line up in the midcourt.”
Winning the grand final was the only team achievement Laharum’s A Grade side missed on last year.
The Demons, in finishing minor premier, shot more goals and had the least amount of goals scored against it than anyone else.
The Demons also had Story finish runner-up for league best-and-fairest medal by only a vote.
While a need to push onto winning a flag is the ultimate goal, Story was quick to suggest the team needed to modify its approach.
“We don’t want to put too much pressure on ourselves. This hasn’t worked in the past and we need to change it up a little,” she said.
“We’ll just be looking for consistency week each and probably the biggest thing is to have fun.
“If we get to finals then good, that’s a goal for everyone, but we don’t want to be looking too far ahead.”
Story said she might shuffle the team around, which was a necessity anyway with mid-courters Jess Hernan and Courtney Guy unavailable this year.
“We tend to have good bookends and there are plenty of options to consider. We have a lot of new faces – eight to 10 – who all appear fit but haven’t hit the court yet. It’s the best pre-season numbers we’ve had since I’ve been at the club,” she said.