Sport
24 April, 2026
Baggies prepared for Southern Roos challenge
Swifts will host Harrow Balmoral at North Park this Sunday in round three of the Horsham District Football Netball League, with the footballers ready to face the three-time reigning premiers.
Harrow Balmoral are coming off a narrow two-point loss to Noradjuha Quantong at Harrow Reserve last weekend.
The Southern Roos boast a strong, big-bodied lineup led by coach and midfielder Jai Thompson. Anthony Close provides a solid presence in the ruck, while Michael Close adds valuable experience in defence.
Recruit Liam Hickman has made an early impact, kicking four goals across the opening two rounds and shaping as a key threat up forward. Bourke Nicholls is likely to take on the defensive role against him.
The new-look Baggies had a bye in round two and suffered a 47-point loss to Noradjuha Quantong in their season opener.
While it will take time to build chemistry, there were encouraging signs early on. Recruits Daniel Clee and Justin Puruntatameri found the scoreboard, while Hayden Hamilton impressed in defence and through the ruck.
Thomas Motlop and Anthony Munkara add pace and skill, providing important drive for the side.
Swifts will also regain ruckman Brett Hargreaves, a significant inclusion, while wing/half-forward Ed Turner is set to make his club debut. With these inclusions, the Baggies will be close to full strength.
One key area of focus is addressing slow starts. The Baggies were caught off guard early against Noradjuha Quantong and have struggled with similar issues over the past two seasons.
Coach Nigel Sibson said the group is working hard to rectify the problem.
“In round one, we got a reality check about how costly a slow start can be,” Sibson said.
“Harrow Balmoral remains the benchmark of the competition and can punish teams quickly, so we need to be switched on from the first bounce.
“We’ve discussed strategies to address this, including a longer, more methodical warm-up. It’s about having the right mindset and not giving them a head start.”
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