Laharum and Kalkee football netball club members enjoyed an action-packed day at Cameron Oval on Saturday as they clashed in sporting pursuits but joined forces to celebrate community.

The day was bittersweet for Demons fans, with club members paying tribute to Michelle Cross – who died last year – by naming the pocket in front of the scoreboard in her honour.

The Michelle Cross Pocket references the time Mrs Cross spent near that part of the ground, manning the scoreboard for countless senior matches alongside her husband, Anthony.

Laharum chairman Hamish Roberts said he was proud to dedicate the pocket to Mrs Cross.

“Michelle was just a genuinely beautiful soul,” he said.

“She was the embodiment of Laharum’s values of care and family.”

Both clubs also paid tribute to late Demons life-member and netballer Michele Mibus in the A Grade clash, with Laharum’s Maddie Iredell winning the annual Michele Mibus Memorial Medal in her side’s 20-goal win.

Women took centre stage for much of the day at Laharum, with the social committee bringing back its popular ‘ladies day’ event.

Co-organiser Sarah Miller said the event was a hit, with ladies from both clubs taking an opportunity to mingle over afternoon tea.

“We had a women’s health focus, and Amanda Wilson, co-owner of Lister House, came to speak to us about the importance of health checks at different stages of life,” she said.

“She demonstrated how to do a breast check and provided information about cervical cancer and bowel screening and other key topics.

“We also had Cass Roberts from Cass Roberts Counselling present on mental health, sharing crucial information about how it can affect women and children.

“Both speakers were very informative and I think everyone took something out of it.”

Mrs Miller said she and co-host Mel Ellifson were thrilled with how well the day was received.

“We had a raffle with several goodies up for grabs and we are thankful to everyone who supplied prizes for the day,” she said.

“We would also like to thank Kalkee for jumping on board and supporting the event, I think everyone had a great time.

“It’s just really nice to see clubs supporting each other and recognising that at the end of the day, we are all just one big community. We hope to run ladies day again next year.”

Mr Roberts congratulated everyone involved in Saturday’s sporting and other activities.

“We had a fantastic day, with a large and vocal crowd, warm weather and the sun setting over the mountains,” he said.

“We always enjoy playing Kalkee. They would have to be our biggest rival on the field and court but there is a healthy amount of respect between the two clubs – we are quite similar culturally.”

Mr Roberts said the day was capped off by Laharum’s senior football side winning its first match since 2022.

– Sarah Matthews

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