Netball
1 April, 2025
Demons determinded to defend premiership status
Coach of the Laharum A Grade netball side, Rebecca McIntyre, has a message for any competitors who have put a target on her team.
"Have a crack," McIntyre joked.
"We are used to having a target on our backs, we've had one the entire nine years I have been at Laharum, so my back is getting heavy.
"But what's another year of carrying it in?
"We proved what we are capable of last year."
The defending premiers claimed victory by just two goals over Rupunyup last season in the grand final and will be looking to defend their reign this year.
While McIntyre sees the Panthers as her side's biggest competition, the coach identified Noradjuha Quantong and Edenhope as formidable opponents.
"You just never know what Edenhope will bring," McIntyre said.
The Demons will this season welcome back Courtney Taylor, who has been travelling overseas, along with Jemma Thomas.
Thomas, an all-rounder, played juniors for Horsham but most recently lined up for South Bendigo.
It's expected Taylor will fill part of the void in the goal ring left by the absence of Caitlin Story, who is pregnant.
Story was awarded last season's league goal-shooting trophy with 695 goals in the regular season.
"Caitlin's pregnant but we are hoping for finals she will still qualify, so it's to be continued – you might see her back in for the grannie if we make it,' McIntyre said.
Asked how they would cover the loss, the coach said: "Caitlin's a once-in-a-lifetime shooter."
"It's not as much as replacing her but trying new combinatons.
"We've got Maddie (Iredell) who is the best goalie in the league and Courtney played for a few weeks before when Caitlin hurt her foot and replaced her well, averaging I think about 40 goals per game.
"We definitely aren't replacing Caitlin as such, but we'll have enough people to step up and get opportunities where they wouldn't normally be given, and Caitlin will be on the side helping me out as an assistant coach and giving information."