Reddie steps up to challenge
Laharum is still striving for a breakthrough Horsham District A Grade premiership following several seasons of finals contention.
Coach Liz Reddie hopes her charges will deliver the goods in 2017.
Reddie, who was assistant coach under shooter Caitlin Story last year, said she was enjoying the challenge of taking over the senior coaching role.
“I was assistant coach last year and Caitlin is assistant this year, so we’ve swapped roles,” she said.
“It’s still early days, but we’re excited for the season ahead.”
Reddie said the Demons would field a similar team to last year, with the exception of versatile Nikki Ervin and young midcourter Baylee Miller.
She said Ervin looked likely to transfer to Kaniva-leeor United in Kowree-naracoortetatiara league, while Miller was not returning this season.
“We do have a couple of new girls though, including some who might play A Grade,” she said.
“We also have a couple of potential recruits who are still in the pipeline.”
Reddie said the club was pleased to welcome sisters Aily and Jordie Mcauliffe from Kalkee.
The talented juniors have a wealth of senior experience and will be valuable additions.
Aily will provide speed the Demons lacked in the midcourt last year, while Jordie could fill a vacancy in goals following Ervin’s departure.
“We’re looking forward to a new season with a few new players and we are looking to have a young, fit team,” Reddie said.
Team selections will be finalised this week. Reddie said pre-season training was progressing well.
“It was a bit slow to start with because of the hot weather but it’s been picking up,” she said.
“We know we’ve got a few girls still to come, so that’s good.”
Reddie said the club’s netballers enjoyed a successful 2016.
All four Demons’ senior sides contested finals last season, along with the club’s 17 and unders.
“The club had a fantastic year last year. The girls went great,” Reddie said.
“All grades will aim for fi- nals this year and it would be wonderful to have some more success.
“We will need to step up in A Grade this year to go the extra step.”
Reddie said she expected another competitive Horsham District Football Netball League season.
“I think it will be close again,” she said.
“Harrow-balmoral is always strong and will probably be our biggest threat, along with perhaps Noradjuha-quantong.
“We’ll have to wait and see how teams have recruited or if they’ve retained their players. I’m looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds.”
Laharum’s 2017 campaign will start on April 8 when it meets Pimpinio at home.