A proud Loddon Valley Football Netball League coach Wayne Mitrovic has lauded his squad after its inter-league defeat to Horsham District in Horsham on Saturday.

After an even first half, the LVFNL went down 18.17 (125) to 14.7 (91).

"I'm very poud of our efforts,'' Mitrovic said.

"I don't mind losing to a better side. What I can't stand is a lack of effort or people not caring.

"I can walk away from here today knowing that everyone or our players gave their best effort and cared.

"We were just beaten by a better side on the day. That's life and footy for you - it's made up of winning and losing."

Horsham District threatened to blow the LVFNL out of the water early in the game.

Kicking with the aid of a slight breeze, the home side kicked 6.7 to 3.0 in an impressive opening quarter.

"We planned around Horsham District being strong at the contest, but in the first quarter it was the opposite, they beat us on the outside with their run,'' Mitrovic said.

The LVFNL turned the game around in the second quarter.

The LVFNL midfielders gained control and forward Ryan Wellington was the beneficiary.

He kicked three second quarter goals as the LVFNL kicked 7.2 to 3.1 to level the scores at the main break.

"We responded really well in the second quarter,'' Mitrovic said.

"We adjusted in the midfield and gave our forwards some good delivery.

"We went into half-time really confident that we could win the game."

The LVFNL couldn't carry that momentum into the second half.

Horsham District should have the put game away in the third term, but wayward kicking in front of goal kept the LVFNL in the game.

Trailing by 18 points heading into the final quarter, the LVFNL still had a sniff of victory.

They pushed hard in the first five minutes, but couldn't convert on the scoreboard.

Horsham District kicked the opening goal of the final quarter and that broke the LVFNL resistance.

The home side kicked 5.2 to 2.4 to win by 34 points.

"Horsham District had a really good buy-in from their players this year, which is something they've struggled with in previous years,'' Mitrovic said.

"They were a very good side and it wasn't as though we were blown out of the water."

Wellington was named LVFNL's best player after kicking five goals.

"He marked well, gave us an option and took his chances,'' Mitrovic said of Wellington.

"Nick Waterson on his wing was terrific. His disposal was really good.

"Sean Moyle did a lot of hard work with his tackling and pressure."

Youngster Peter Rothacker, defender Jarryd Wiegard and Alex Pearson were also in the LVFNL best.

Horsham District 6.7, 9.8, 13.15, 18.17 (125)

Loddon Valley 3.0, 10.2, 12.3, 14.7 (91)

GOALS - HDFL: N. Pekin 5, S. Close 3, M. Healy 3, N. Koenig 2, J. Ryan, R. Miller, R. Folkes, E. Guthrie, D. Folkes. LVFNL: R. Wellington 5, N. Waterson 2, D. Clohesy 2, T. Downie, B. George, B. Micevski, P. Rothacker, J. Hall.

BEST - HDFL: E. Guthrie, N. Pekin, S. Carey, S. Close, M. Butler, M. Healy. LVFNL: R. Wellington, N. Waterson, S. Moyle, P. Rothacker, J. Wiegard, A. Pearson.

Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.