Sport
9 April, 2026
FOOTBALL: Demons star recruit must wait
Laird was suspended for striking in Bears Lagoon Serpentine’s last-round win over Calivil and still has a week to serve.
PREMIERS Calder United will be without its boom Loddon Valley recruit Justin Laird for round one against Wedderburn.
Laird was suspended for striking in Bears Lagoon Serpentine’s last-round win over Calivil and still has a week to serve.
It’s a blow for the Lions, who were looking to Laird, winner of the Frank Harding Medal in 2024, to help replace best and fairest winner Zane Keighran, who has moved to Strathfieldsaye.
Wedderburn copped the North Central fixture short straw this season, having to face Calder United three times, twice away from home.
On Saturday the Redbacks travel to Nullawil, knowing a strong performance is needed to confirm the widely held view that the team is poised to climb the ladder.
The Redbacks have recruited strongly, and despite losing leading goal kicker Mitch Jensen are confident they have the firepower to contend in 2026.
Wedderburn is also working on a smokey recruit for round one, but coach Tom Metherell was unwilling to give any hints.
Ruckman Tyler Curtis has joined Wedderburn from South Mildura, and he comes with a powerful reputation and VFL experience, and if he can give first use to the Redbacks’ quality midfield they will be a serious threat.
Coach Tom Metherell said Curtis played in the practice match against North Bendigo “and he made a huge difference. “His leadership is outstanding – he was really good with the boys in his first hit out.”
Also arriving at Donaldson Park is key defender Rory Lehmann, who won a SANFL flag with Woodville West Torrens only three years ago and he also has played in the VFL with Coburg.
Metherell said only veteran Danny Benaim was unavailable, and he would be rested until after the bye.
Read More: Local