Horsham District: Laharum players to wear heritage jumpers on special day

Laharum has been playing in the Horsham District league for longer than any of its rivals. See how it will mark 100 years in the competition.

Laharum will mark the centenary of its first official match in the Horsham District league on Saturday when it takes on Natimuk United.

The Mountain Men lay claim to having one of the most picturesque settings for a home ground: at the base of the Grampians.

To mark the special occasion, Laharum footballers and netballers will be wearing heritage red and blue jumpers and dresses.

The football jumper carries the names of 1022 men who have played for the club since 1962, when the club won the first of three successive premierships.

The Mountain Men also won premierships in 1958 and 1959 with the late Bill Tucker coaching all five victories.

Laharum netballers and footballers, from left, Hayley Roberts, Shannon Arnott, Ollie Sykes and Brad Hately in the club's heritage jumper. Picture: Supplied

Netball dresses have the names of 532 players who have played for Laharum since 1967.

“Laharum is the longest serving club in the Horsham District Football League,” centenary celebrations organising committee member Rowena Doyle said.

“The 1923 season marks the year that Laharum first signed with a football league even though they have been playing longer as a community.”

The Mountain Men last won a senior football premiership in 2015 under joint coaches Hamish Roberts and Shannon Argall, who also won the league best and fairest a year later.

Des Roberts holds the club record for most matches played with 457.

Laharum is still searching for its first win of the season with Natimuk United sitting two spots above it on the ladder.

Last round Laharum lost by 20 points to Kaniva-Leeor, which is the most recent addition to the Horsham District league following its switch from the Kowree-Naracoorte-Tatiara league for the 2021 season.