While Laharum celebrated its 2024 A Grade netball premiership by unfurling a flag in front of its home crowd on Saturday, it received a reminder the road to a repeat will be full of obstacles.

Despite going undefeated last season, the Demons were nearly handed a first-up loss by Kalkee, coming from two goals down at three-quarter time to win 44-43.

Playing without Caitlin Jones-Story, who will be a sideline assistant coach this season, the Demons leaned heavily on goal attack Maddie Iredell for scoring, with Courtney Taylor and Jemma Thomas also rotating through goals.

At the other end, shooter Jarrah Martin stood out for the Kees, shooting 30 goals, and looked to have her side on track for a win after putting them ahead 43-41 with less than three minutes remaining.

From the subsequent centre pass the Kees pushed forward again, but Martin’s shot to virtually seal the game came up short and Laharum whisked the ball away for a quick goal.

Iredell goaled again to tie the scores after a trademark offensive rebound, and desperate work by Thomas to save a deflected ball in the centre third set up her game-winning score.

While beaten, the Kees showed they will remain premiership threats this season, as will 2024 runner-up Rupanyup, which demolished Kaniva-Leeor United 65-16 in front of its home crowd.

Panthers goalie Zanaiya Bergen shot 35 goals, but it was defender Lucy Bussenschutt who stood out, while midcourters Zoe Hawker and Lauren Brown put forth good efforts for the Cougars.

Edenhope-Apsley also signalled its premiership credentials with a 59-44 win against Pimpinio, with 35 goals from coach Lavinia Fox leading the way, while Tahlia Thompson scored 23 for the Tigers.

A strong second half from Swifts saw the team overcome Natimuk United 46-34 on the road, with Jade Ralph stout in defence and Rebekkah Seeary on song in goals, while captain Danielle Hanson did her best to lift the Rams.

Taylors Lake supporters had plenty to smile about as their side downed Harrow-Balmoral, building on a six-goal lead in the first quarter to hold on to win 44-36, with Kayla Kelm and goalie Tayla Eltze leading the way.

For the Roos, coach Emily Langley and goalie Brittany Burns were the top performers.

Harrow-Balmoral will be tested again this weekend as it hosts Laharum, with Noradjuha-Quantong to play its first game in a home blockbuster against Rupanyup, while Edenhope-Apsley is away to Swifts, Taylors Lake travels to Pimpinio and Kaniva-Leeor United hosts Natimuk United.

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