EDENHOPE-APSLEY’S under-17 team faces the most daunting task in Horsham District Football Netball League when it takes on rampaging Laharum at Horsham City Oval.
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As good as the Mountain Men’s senior side has been in 2014, the under-17s have been better.
Laharum, looking for a premiership three-peat this year, tore its way through an undefeated home and away campaign with a staggering 489.33 percentage.
The Mountain Men conceded more than five goals on only one occasion during the regular season and boasted an average winning margin of more than 10 goals.
No other side got close – until the finals.
Natimuk United almost pulled off a huge upset when it came within a goal of Laharum in the second semi-final.
With the Rams finishing second during the home and away campaign, a rematch with the Mountain Men in Saturday's grand final looked inevitable.
But Edenhope-Apsley had other ideas.
The Saints, aided by Sam McClure and Grant Cother, halted the Rams with a 22-point win.
Now they face an even bigger task.
Edenhope-Apsley under-17 coach James Ackland said his team was capable of shocking Laharum.
“We’re quietly confident because we go in with a full team for the first time this year,” he said.
“Laharum is very even across the ground and its midfield and attack are very good, but we think with players like Ben Campbell and Sam McClure and Grant Cother we can match it with them in the midfield.
“Up forward we have one of the best goal-kickers in Ollie Gabbe, so we believe if we play to our potential, we can win.”
Laharum is not short of star power itself.
Patrick Easson finished third in the league’s best and fairest vote count and has made five senior appearances this season.
Joe Harrison and Ambrose Launder also polled double-figure votes at the count.
