After a round one win over Dookie United, the Kats succumbed to Tungamah in round two, but have proven its flag credentials are still in tact after defeating 2-0 starters Tocumwal on Anzac Day.
Katandra burst out to a hot start, scoring 19 goals to eight in the opening term, and in the end, it was the difference.
The Bloods prevented a scoring avalanche in the second term but were again thwarted on offense themselves, restricted to another eight-goal term while the Kats scored a further 11.
The defensive shackles broke free in the third term, and Tocumwal piled on 17 goals into the net, but Katandra held firm with 14 of its own, before the pair split an even return in the last quarter, 11 each way, resulting in a 55-44 victory for the navy blue and white.
Katandra coach Jo Moroney stated it was a “complete” display.
“It was a complete, whole team, four quarter effort,” Moroney said.
“That was really pleasing.
“To do it on such a special day was great as well.
“Everyone was impressive, but the connection through the midcourt is what held us best in good stead.”
The reigning premiership coach said her side understand they’ll be challenged weekly given their title, but are looking to brush off the pressure of defending champions.
“It’s obviously a bit cliche but we are just going to take it week by week,” Moroney said.
“It’s a whole new season and we don’t know what we’re up against, teams change.”
Katandra’s difficult fixturing continues next week though, with a preliminary final scheduled against Katamatite.
Katamatite secured its first win on Sunday, defeating league newcomers Barooga by 30 goals, 59 to 29.
Across the league, Picola United and Waaia recorded wins on Anzac Day, defeating Mathoura 26-51 and Rennie 20-26 respectively.
On Sunday, Dookie United defeated Katunga 50-14, Tungamah defeated Strathmerton 63-31, Deni Rovers cruised by Jerilderie by 28 goals, while Berrigan boasted a 17-goal win over Blighty.
In the Anzac Day football, Katandra continued its unbeaten run with an 81-point thumping of Tocumwal, Picola United dispatched Mathoura by 37 and Waaia romped to a 229-point statement win against Rennie.
On Sunday, Berrigan defeated Blighty by nine points, Katamatite clipped Barooga’s wings in a 17.13 (115) to 8.4 (52) victory, and Dookie United cruised past Katunga by eight goals for its first triumph in 2026.
Additionally, Jerilderie held on for a three-goal win over Deni Rovers, while Strathmerton defeated Tungamah by 27.
