Wimmera Football Netball League finals preview – August 23, 2023

WFNL FiNaLs

Dimboola’s road to the finals

Coach: Jack Landt

Round 1: W. 10.12 (72) d Nhill 9.6 (60). Home.

Round 2: W. 19.14 (128) d Warrack Eagles 10.8 (68). Away.*

Round 3: W. 18.10 (118) d Horsham 16.8 (104).

Home.

Round 4: L. 8.12 (60) lost to Stawell 11.12 (78).

Away.

Round 5: W. 14.9 (93) d Southern Mallee

Giants 11.11 (77). Home.

Round 6: W. 12.9 (81) d Minyip-Murtoa 11.9 (75). Away.

Round 7: L. 11.5 (71) lost to Horsham Saints 12.3 (75). Home.

Round 8: Bye.

Round 9: L. 7.6 (48) lost to Ararat 8.5 (53). Away.

Round 10: W. 13.12 (90) d Nhill 5.17 (47). Away.

Round 11: W. 18.11 (119) d Warrack Eagles 10.5 (65). Home.

Round 12: W. 16.9 (105) d Horsham 8.6 (54). Away.

Round 13: L. 9.6 (60) lost to Stawell 13.15 (93).

Home.

Round 14: L. 4.16 (40) lost to Southern Mallee Gi ants 12.15 (87). Away.

Round 15: L. 5.8 (38) lost to Minyip-Murtoa 10.7 (67). Home.**

Round 16: L. 7.13 (55) lost to Horsham Saints 15.10 (100). Away.

Round 17: Bye

Round 18: L. 6.7 (43) lost to Ararat 18.19 (127). Home. *Highest score. ** Lowest score.

Total: Won: 8. Lost: 8. For: 1221. Against: 1230.

Points: 32. Percentage: 99.27.

Leading goal-kickers

Jonathon Ross, 28. Sam Godden, 27. Jack Landt, 21.

A chance for

BY ABBY WALTER

imboola’s senior footballers have an opportunity for redemption in their 2023 finals campaign after a tense second half of the home-and-away season.

Last season, the Roos were eliminated in the first week of finals after losing to Horsham Demons, and this year will meet Minyip-Murtoa in the same all-or-nothing final.

It has been 10 years since Dimboola saw any success during a finals campaign.

Coach Jack Landt said the team started the season with high expectations of playing, and winning, finals. “Dimboola has not won a final since the grand final in 2013,” he said.

“We knew our best chance was making top three, which was our goal, but in what was a very close season it didn’t happen.”

Landt said the start of the season could not have been more

“We started really well and won all but three games in the first half of the season,” he said.

“The back half of the season looked quite different, however.

“Teams presented us with a good challenge and stopped our free-flowing play and our scoring.”

Dimboola’s winning factor during the season was its pace of ball movement and the agility of players across all areas of the

During the first half of the season, Dimboola defeated Southern Mallee Giants by 16 points, Minyip-Murtoa by one goal and lost to Horsham Saints by four points.

In round nine Dimboola lost to Ararat by five points — the closest any team was to beating the undefeated team all season.

The back end of the season was not as closely fought on the scoreboard as was expected when Dimboola met other top-five Jack Landt

Dimboola Football Netball Club would like

to thank all their sponsors and members for the 2023 season

Agri Lending Solutions Pty Ltd

Belle-Vue Machinery

Dimboola IGA

Mark Launer Plumbing

Mibus Transport

Nutrien Ag Solutions

Dimboola

Nutrien Ag Solutions

Horsham

Quest New Quay Docklands

Victoria Hotel Dimboola

Wilson Bolton Horsham

Wimmera Bakery

Wimmera Electrical

Your Regional Butcher

Bonnie & Clydes

Harris Mensland Dimboola

Horsham Wool

SMS Rural Jeparit

AXIS Employment

Bruce Miller Plumbing

Bendigo Bank Dimboola

Lehmann Engineering

MTB Carpentry

Nuske White Suffolks

Outback Wraps

Promotional Products & Uniforms

Thai Basil

Blue Lake Milling

Dimboola Cafe

Dimboola Store

Horsham Golf Club

Toughy’s Garage

Shine Hairdressing

Dimboola Post Office

Drift Horsham

Dimboola Electrics

Horsham Tyre & Battery

Intersport Horsham

Kayl’s Hair Place

As Time Goes By

Betta Home Living

Dimboola Stock Feed & Produce

Eleven & Us

Exquisit Horsham

Jan’s Wimmera Whimsy

Petstock Horsham

Robertsons Furniture

Wimmera Trophies & Gifts

Latus Jewellers

Dimboola Banner

Tilley & Mango

Wade’s Conways

Picked for Doris

Goodyear Autocare

Horsham

Good luck to all teams playing in the 2023 finals series

WFNL FiNaLs

Inaccurate kicking sealed the Roos’ fate against the Giants, an inability to convert opportunities against Burras cost them dearly and Horsham Saints were more efficient in round 16.

However, the Roos will go into an elimination final having beaten two of their four finals competitors.

Landt said it was a challenging season, with changes made to the team list week to week.

“To play the good footy we know we are capable of, we need continuity in our team list; however, unfortunately, we have had players in and out with injuries and travel commitments,” he said. “Even though we lost to Ararat, the first time we played against them we were in front with only minutes to go.

“Knowing that gives us the confidence we can match it with the best and take that into finals.”

The return of Sam Godden to the Roos’ ranks boosted their forward line and Hayden Walters returned mid-season from injury to join him as a key target in front of goals.

Dylan Landt has travelled throughout the year to play in the green and gold and his explosiveness and vision out of the midfield could make a much-needed impact in finals.

Dru Pilmore has slotted into the team at the end of the season and has made the ruck his position.

Landt said having a bye in round 17, before facing Ararat in the final round, was a good chance to refresh.

Dimboola has not won a game since round 12 when it defeated Horsham Demons by 51 points.

The Roos will be looking to play fast, free-flowing football in coming weeks and while their skills across the ground are high, scoreboard pressure is a must for the team.

Landt said training was positive, with more numbers on the track leading into finals than the team had all year.

“Everyone is enjoying preparing for the challenge ahead of us,” he said.

Ten years since premiership glory, could Dimboola be the dark horses of the 2023 season?

ALWAYS STRONG END OF SEASON

Dimboola Roos

Players to watch

Aisea Raikiwasa

New to the Roos in 2023, Aisea ‘Magic’ Raikiwasa seemed to fly under the radar in the first few rounds, but could not be missed on the oval in the second half of the season. His speed and agility make him a challenging opponent and players have to be on their toes to keep him away from the ball.

Ben Miller

After playing in the Geelong Football League for a couple of years, Dimboola local Ben Miller returned to the green-and-gold this year. The strong midfielder is a voice across the oval for the Roos and he brings his passion for his team into every round.

Dylan Landt

Coming off a Northern Territory Football League season and winning the highest football honour in the league, the Nichols Medal, Landt has been a solid addition to Dimboola this year. Despite only playing five games so far for the team, his skills are undeniable. He is quick with the ball and will make smart choices with his disposals.

Sam Godden

Dimboola’s highest goal kicker is a force in the forward line and a key component of the Roos’ line-up heading into the finals series. Godden returned to the club this year and has not skipped a beat coming into the team and making his mark on the competition. When in his top form Godden will challenge any defender in the league.

Ben Miller

Coach: Tim Mackenzie

Home.

Round 15: W. 10.7 (67) d Dimboola 5.8 (38). Away.

Round 16: L. 3.10 (28) lost to Ararat 14.15 (99).

Home.**

Round 17: W. 9.7 (61) d Nhill 8.9 (57). Away.

Round 18: W. 4.9 (33) d Warrack Eagles 3.4 (22).

Home.

*Highest score. ** Lowest score.

Total: Won: 10. Lost: 6. For: 961. Against: 961.

Points: 40. Percentage: 100.

Leading goal-kickers

Jye Walter, 20. Jae McGrath, 16. Nicholas Caris, 15.

BY ABBY WALTER

The reigning premiers have a significant hill to climb if they want to retain the highest senior football honour in the Wimmera league, for a second year in a row.

Minyip-Murtoa will fight from a position of an elimination final against Dimboola in the first week of the finals series. While eyes tend to always focus on the reigning premiers heading into a new season, the first half of the Burras’ season was unexpected.

Two early wins quickly turned into a series of four consecutive losses that raised questions of whether Minyip-Murtoa would be able to make a finals appearance this season.

Coach Tim Mackenzie said the team was striving for finals from round one and was happy to have reached that target.

“To finish in top three would have been nice but now we’re going to have to get there the hard way,” he said.

Minyip-Murtoa has been the team to beat for a number of seasons after winning a premiership in 2019, finishing minor premiers in 2021 and winning a premiership in 2022.

Before 2019, the Burras had not won a premiership since 1998.

A collection of 2022 premiership players re-signed with the club, with aspirations to see another blue, white and blackdonned crowd at this year’s grand final venue.

The finals experience of those players, including grand final best-on-ground Will Holmes, Jae McGrath, John Delahunty and Luke Fisher could be what keeps the team collected during the pressure of finals.

The second half of the season was more positive for the Burras and towards the final rounds, the team could be confident of its position in the top five.

Losses to Horsham Saints and Dimboola were turned around to wins and a confidence boost from those performances could be the exact recipe Minyip-Murtoa needs to proceed into finals.

Tanner Smith

to retain glory

Mackenzie said the team acknowledged it had been inconsist ent at the beginning of the season.

“We continued to develop and improve as the season pro gressed,” he said.

“We built on our team defence, and it should hold us in good stead for finals football.”

Mackenzie said while the Burras lost to top-five teams throughout the season, they weren’t far off the mark.

“With our losses to Saints, Dimboola and Giants the first time around we weren’t far off. With Dimboola it was one goal and with the Saints, it was less than two,” he said.

“Our results in the second half of the season show we are hitting our best football now which is exactly what we need to be doing.”

In round 15, Minyip-Murtoa had to fight hard in a low-scor ing game to get the jump on Dimboola but a solid second half saw them win by five goals.

Mackenzie said the team would focus on its pressure across the ground in the do-or-die games facing it during finals.

“We want to force turnovers from our opposition,” he said.

“Finals are a great time of year — the weather is always nicer and people are up and about.

“We will continue to chase the success we had last year.”

The Burras have shown on several occasions that starting from behind does not slow them down and opposition teams will not be able to rest easy on a lead, because Minyip-Murtoa has turned the scoreboard around in the fourth quarter on multiple occasions.

It could be the theme for the finals series and an underdog story is always supported.

Minyip-Murtoa might be starting from behind by playing in the first elimination final, but it would be difficult to beat the feeling of winning four weeks of finals in a row if they can manage it.

The Mighty Burras

Players to watch

John

Delahunty

A constant feature of the Burras’ backline, Delahunty is a consistent player and always a tough opponent. His finals experience will have him in good stead to play calm and collected games throughout the finals series and he will lead his fellow backmen well as he has throughout the season. He will be called upon to perform as the Burras prepare to play in every week of finals if they want a chance at a back-to-back premiership.

Luke Fisher

A consistent on-baller, Fisher can often be seen in a contest and has been known to snag a goal when the opportunity arises. Fisher has been a component of Minyip-Murtoa’s midfield for three seasons and can be relied on to show his talent each week.

Tanner Smith

Often featured in the best players’ list this year, Smith is another crucial player in the Burras’ lineup. The former AFL and state league player brings a depth of skills and experience that will be an additional layer to Minyip-Murtoa’s push for another premiership. With strength in his defensive work, Smith is a hard player to work around.

Will Holmes

Holmes backed up a grand final best-on-ground performance in 2022 with another solid homeand-away season. The midfielder makes up for what he lacks in stature with determination and is impressive to watch on the sidelines. His consistency makes him reliable and given the opportunity supporters may also see him tally on the scoreboard again before the season is out.

Luke Fisher

Coach: Kieran Delahunty

Maintaining the WFNL FiNaLs

BY ABBY WALTER

Thiscould be the year Southern Mallee Giants notch their first Wimmera league premiership.

Since joining the competition in 2018, the Giants were runner-up premiers in 2018 and 2019.

Last season the Giants missed out on a finals opportunity by percentage and this year were determined to turn that fate around with a new coach.

Eagles 8.4 (52). Home.

Round 9: W. 20.16 (136) d Horsham 7.4 (46).

Away.

Round 10: W. 11.14 (80) d Stawell 8.5 (53).

Home.

Round 11: Bye.

Round 12: W. 13.8 (86) d Minyip-Murtoa 5.10 (40).

Home.

Round 13: L. 7.8 (50) lost to Horsham Saints 17.4 (106). Away.

Round 14: W. 12.15 (87) d Dimboola 4.16 (40).

Home.

Round 15: L. 5.6 (36) lost to Ararat 15.9 (99).

Away.**

Round 16: W. 9.14 (68) d Nhill 8.8 (56). Home.

Round 17: L. 8.12 (60) lost to Warrack Eagles 8.14 (62). Away.

Round 18: W. 21.20 (146) d Horsham 4.7 (31).

Home.*

*Highest score. ** Lowest score.

Total: Won: 11. Lost: 5. For: 1410. Against: 945.

Points: 44. Percentage: 148.75.

Leading goal-kickers

Josh Webster, 27. Rupert Sangster, 21.

Three-time Toohey Medal winner Kieran Delahunty coached the Giants this season and the team finished comfortably in third, setting them up for a double chance in finals.

Delahunty said the team’s goal for the season was to make a top-three spot in finals, after narrowly missing a chance to play last year.

“This gives us a good chance to give it our best crack at going deep into September,” he said.

“I couldn’t have asked for much more than to finish in this position.

“It’s been a challenging year, but our best football was very good and we were able to match it with the best.

“There were challenges with continuity and consistency of personnel on the oval, but the team made the necessary adjustments.”

The Giants came within three points at the end of the third quarter on the first occasion they played Ararat.

They have defeated all other finals-bound teams at least once during the season.

Leading into their finals campaign, the Giants suffered a surprising loss to Warrack Eagles, who had previously been winless in 2023. Turning that around with a win against Horsham Demons in round 18 was the confidence boost the Giants need to go up against Horsham Saints for a third time this season.

Delahunty said the team’s round-four defeat of Horsham Saints at Hopetoun was a standout game.

“It was a complete performance from us – we moved the footy the way we wanted to and defended well,” he said.

Mickitja Rotumah-Onus

WFNL FiNaLs

“It was one of our best wins and we have had some good victo ries along our way to finals.”

Throughout the season, pressure and intent with the ball were key features of the Giants’ game.

Injuries plagued the 2022 season for the Giants, and while some key players missed games due to injury this year, the difference between the two seasons is stark.

The Giants fought hard mid-season for the top-three finish and were able to hold onto it to the end.

Recruits, particularly in the midfield, have also aided the Giants well in their bigger wins.

A dynamic forward line, with Rupert Sangster and Jake Garvey at the helm, has gone a long way towards the Giants securing 11 wins.

Aside from Ararat, the Giants have had the least amount of goals scored against them for the season.

Delahunty said the team’s backline experienced the most changes throughout the season.

“We lost all three of our key defenders at one stage, so we had a makeshift backline for a time,” he said.

“Heath Smith, who is predominately a midfielder, played a key defensive role to add something different while we were down.

“Players had to stand up when we lost Sam White and Oscar Smith, but being able to get those two back into the team ahead of finals has definitely helped.”

Delahunty said the lead-up to finals was all about getting the team’s game plan in order.

“We won’t be making any major adjustments and will aim to keep our momentum going,” he said.

“After missing out narrowly last year, the team is hungry and excited to give it a solid go this year.

“It was nice knowing our position was pretty well set in third for a couple of weeks so we could focus on playing a good brand of football.”

Southern Mallee Giants

Players to watch

Billy Lloyd

After seasons in the Ballarat Football League, Lloyd returned this season to play Wimmera league football and he has made his mark on the competition. In a team of quiet achievers, Lloyd works tirelessly in the midfield and is difficult to get the ball off once it’s in his hands.

Kieran Delahunty

Reigning 2022 Toohey Medallist, Delahunty didn’t slow down moving into a coaching role this season and remained an imposing ruckman in the league. His team will expect big, and tall, performances from him this finals series and he is likely to deliver. Delahunty directs play well and leads by example with his controlled skills across the oval.

Mickitia Rotuma-Onus

Another new recruit for the Giants who has stamped an impression on the competition, Rotumah-Onus is strong and competitive in the midfield. He can sneak into the forward 50 when needed and has had a consistent season so far. Rotumah-Onus is a clever ball user and a challenge for his opponents with his determination.

Rupert Sangster

Sangster has gone from strength to strength this season and significantly built on his previous seasons with the Giants. Part of a strong forward line-up, Sangster is an important target for the Giants and can be relied on to give his all each game.

Jake Garvey

Horsham Saints

Horsham Saints’ road to the finals

From strength WFNL FiNaLs

BY ABBY WALTER

orsham Saints proved many pundits wrong this season and while followers were thinking it would take more time for the club to rebuild its senior football team after a seventh-place finish last year, the Saints were a solid challenger in the 2023 finals race.

By the halfway point of the season, there was no doubt the Saints would be a force to be reckoned with after conceding only two losses in the first nine rounds and going on to concede two more losses in the final nine.

Impressive and competitive performances against fellow topfive teams Minyip-Murtoa and Dimboola that led to wins were the first big tickets to the Saints’ finals showing.

Round 11: W. 17.11 (113) d Horsham 4.9 (33).

Home.*

Round 12: W. 10.11 (71) d Stawell 4.10 (34). Home.

Round 13: W. 17.4 (106) d Southern Mallee Giants

7.8 (50). Home.

Round 14: L. 7.8 (50) lost to Minyip-Murtoa 7.10

(52). Away.

Round 15: Bye.

Round 16: W. 15.10 (100) d Dimboola 7.13 (55).

Home.

Round 17: L. 8.9 (57) lost to Ararat 21.14 (140).

Away.

Round 18: W. 16.6 (102) d Nhill 10.13 (73). Home.

*Highest score. ** Lowest score.

Total: Won: 12. Lost: 4. For: 1273. Against: 1027.

Points: 48. Percentage: 123.95.

Leading goal-kickers

Mitch Martin, 55. Jarrod Garth, 46.

While the Burras got the better of the Saints in round 14 by two points, the Saints went marching into a game against the undefeated Ararat in round 17 and pushed them hard in the first half.

Coach Ben Knott said the team started the season with expectations to be pushing for the fourth or fifth position in finals.

“Mid-season, the goalposts shifted and from then on, we were gunning for a top-three spot — and we were able to tick that box,” he said.

“After our first few wins, we adjusted our thinking and through some natural development we have gone from strength to strength as individuals and a group.

“The players have been stepping up to be better footballers and putting onus on their own game and leadership on the oval.”

Horsham Saints last won a senior football premiership, back-toback, in 2015 and 2016.

The Saints were knocked out in first semi-finals in 2017, 2018 and 2019 — the last time the team played finals.

Two key targets in the forward line, Mitch Martin and Jarrod Garth, emerged as notable threats in the Saints’ line-up.

Both players are leading the league’s goal-kicking tally.

Coach:

WFNL FINALS

A visible asset in the Saints’ game plan has been on-field lead ers including Angus Martin, Sam Clyne, Daniel Rees and Jacob O’Beirne who have stepped up to the challenge each week and paved the way for younger players.

Knott said as the season progressed, the team developed a bigger focus on the defensive elements of the game.

“It’s something we lacked early and definitely improved on, so we put emphasis on covering the whole ground defensively,” he said.

Knott said in the first half of the season, the Saints were ‘pumped’ by Southern Mallee Giants.

Then, in the second half of the season, the Saints turned it around to beat the Giants by 56 points.

“The loss in the first half made us rethink what we were doing, and we made some changes,” Knott said.

“From there on, we have been playing consistently — which has put us in good stead going into finals.

“We had a couple of close ones with Minyip-Murtoa and Dim boola where we were able to come away with wins.

“We did lose to Murtoa by two points recently and against Ararat we stuck with them for three-quarters the first time we played them and had our chances, but weren’t able to get over the line.”

Knott said the team was in a good position leading into finals.

“Availability is good and to have some continuity in our team will be good for us to be consistent through to the end,” he said.

“The energy is upbeat around the club at the moment, so it’s enjoyable to be part of.

“Our focus is to win, and we were lucky to play Ararat in round 17 to get a sense of what is to come.

“Teams will have to go through Ararat to have a fair nudge at finals, as they have been the standard all year. We’re hoping to meet them in finals.”

Horsham Saints

Players to watch

Angus Martin

The Saints’ captain has made the backline his own this season and is showing good leadership from centre-half back. Featuring in his team’s best players often this season, Angus Martin has been one to watch and the tall defender will not be easy to shut down.

Gage Wright

Another young player who has stood up and performed well for the Saints this season. A few seasons finding his feet in the senior ranks has seen Wright rise to the occasion and he has played consistently through the midfield this year. Wright is explosive out of the pack and accurate when kicking to leading forwards.

Jarrod Garth

Horsham Saints have no shortage of big goal-kickers this season and their powerful full forward has delivered nearly every round. He is a key target in the forward line and a strong match-up for any opponent. Garth positions himself and protects the drop of the ball well.

Mitch Martin

Horsham Saints will have been glad to retain Mitch Martin for season 2023, as the young player has come into his own this year and his scoreboard tally is a testament to his efforts. Martin’s talent across the oval is obvious for every opponent and teams will want to tag him to beat him come finals.

Mitch Martin

Undefeated Rats WFNL FiNaLs

Coach: Matt Walder

Round 1: Bye.

Round 2: W. 21.14 (140) d Nhill 3.3 (21). Away.*

Round 3: W. 15.16 (106) d Warrack Eagles 5.3 (33). Home.

Round 4: W. 13.17 (95) d Horsham 4.3 (27). Away.

Round 5: W. 9.19 (73) d Stawell 5.2 (32). Home.

Round 6: W. 14.11 (95) d Southern Mallee Giants

9.10 (64). Away.

Round 7: W. 18.13 (121) d Minyip-Murtoa 5.8 (38).

Home.

Round 8: W. 15.10 (100) d Horsham Saints 8.8 (56). Away.

Round 9: W. 8.5 (53) d Dimboola 7.6 (48). Home.**

Round 10: Bye.

Round 11: W. 12.11 (83) d Nhill 4.11 (35). Home.

Round 12: W. 16.14 (110) d Warrack Eagles 1.7 (13). Away.

Round 13: W. 13.13 (91) d Horsham 1.6 (12).

Home.

Round 14: W. 18.10 (118) d Stawell 8.8 (56). Away.

Round 15: W. 15.9 (99) d Southern Mallee Giants

5.6 (36). Home.

Round 16: W. 14.15 (99) d Minyip-Murtoa 3.10 (28). Away.

Round 17: W. 21.14 (140) d Horsham Saints 8.9 (57). Home.*

Round 18: W. 18.19 (127) d Dimboola 6.7 (43). Away.

*Highest score. ** Lowest score.

Total: Won: 16. Lost: 0. For: 1650. Against: 599. Points: 64. Percentage: 275.46.

Leading goal-kickers

Tom Mills, 38. Tom Williamson, 32.

BY ABBY WALTER

he red and white have stormed the senior football competition this season and are premiership favourites heading into the 2023 finals series.

Ararat experienced one of the worst heartbreaks of football last season, falling short in the grand final on a wet, miserable day to Minyip-Murtoa by seven points.

However, no opposition or spectator could deny the Rats did not look back and made themselves the team to beat. An undefeated home-and-away season has them sitting pretty for a rest during the first week of finals.

Coach Matt Walder said the team had developed and improved on its runner-up finish last season.

“We focused on re-establishing ourselves as a contender in the finals race this season and improving on our shortfalls,” he said.

“We have a week off in the senior and reserves football — which is beneficial for both teams.

“Being able to train together and head into the second semi-final together keeps the synergy.”

Ararat will face either Horsham Saints or Southern Mallee Giants in their first final of 2023.

The Rats last won a senior football premiership 22 years ago. While the Rats were able to ease into the season, not playing a finals-bound team until round six, it was their performances against the competition’s heavyweights across four consecutive weeks that set them up for a perfect home-and-away season. In round six the Rats overpowered the Giants by 31 points and in round eight were too strong for the Saints, winning by 44 points. Heading into the second half of the season, Ararat looked stronger than ever, defeating the Giants in round 15 by 63 points and the Saints in round 17 by 83 points.

Walder said a feeling among the Rats’ unit they were ‘never finished’ in their development kept pushing them all season.

Jack Ganley

the team to beat

“While it has looked good from a results perspective, by the same token, we were not satisfied so our key focus was to keep pushing ourselves,” he said. “While we have kept winning games, we have not been sitting still.”

Ararat’s strength lies in its defensive pressure through the forward line, midfield and backline which has served it well all season.

The Rats have kicked almost triple the number of goals they have conceded, which caused their percentage to be more than 130 to 175 percent above other top-five teams.

Junior footballers have also pulled on a full-time senior jersey for Ararat this season and have risen to the occasion to support bigger names recruited in the off-season including former AFL player Tom Williamson and returning Rats Jack Ganley and Jake Robinson.

Walder said Ararat’s biggest tests throughout the season were against Dimboola and Horsham Saints.

“When we first met in the season, we just got over the line against Dimboola late in the game — it was our closest margin for the year so far,” he said.

“The Saints tested our ability to defend for the first half and it was the toughest half we played all year.

“We will take all the lessons from those games moving for ward.”

Walder said after eight weeks of non-stop football, the first week of finals would be a chance for the team to debrief and reset. He said motivation was high across the football ranks at Alexandra Oval.

“To have 50-odd players know they will be playing at least two weeks of finals is exciting,” he said.

“All the players are training hard, and that drive is coming from within the group and as a coach, I am not having to push that onto them. Finals is the best time to be a footballer — the sun is out, the atmosphere is up and you have every chance with a trophy on the line.

Players to watch

Ben Taylor

After a solid 2022 season, Taylor has backed it up with another strong performance in the redand-white’s midfield this year. Taylor is a tough opponent for any midfielder and his ability to move forward and snag a couple of goals doesn’t go

Jake Robinson

If Ararat’s track record for the season continues into the finals series, the Rats’ midfield can always be trusted to move the ball efficiently and quickly and Robinson is no exception. Returning to the club last year, he continued to combine well with his teammates and will be influential in coming

Sonny Kettle

In his first full season in the senior ranks, Kettle does not look out of place with the Rats in the minor premiership team. The good-sized half-forward has had some time on-ball this season and will be a threat for years to come if he continues to go from strength to strength as seen so far.

Tom Williamson

Swapping out the blue for red-and-white, Williamson returned from his time in the AFL to his roots with Ararat and has cemented his place in the midfield. He has had an impressive season so far and his experience and agility ensure he is a difficult player to combat.

Kade Bohner

Nhill’s road to the finals

Coaches: Emma Hawker and Tracey Bell

Round 1: L. 32 lost to Dimboola 35. Away.

Round 2: W. 55 d Ararat 33. Home.

Round 3: Bye.

Round 4: W. 43 d Warrack Eagles 29. Away.

Round 5: L. 28 lost to Horsham 52. Home.**

Round 6: L. 32 lost to Stawell 35. Away.

Round 7: W. 59 d Southern Mallee Giants 32. Home.*

Round 8: W. 50 d Minyip-Murtoa 25. Away.

Round 9: L. 28 lost to Horsham Saints 60. Home.**

Round 10: W. 46 d Dimboola 42. Home.

Round 11: L. 30 lost to Ararat 34. Away.

Round 12: Bye.

Round 13: W. 51 d Warrack Eagles 31. Home.

Round 14: L. 35 lost to Horsham 52. Away.

Round 15: L. 31 lost to Stawell 32. Home.

Round 16: W. 45 d Southern Mallee Giants 38. Away.

Round 17: W. 60 d Minyip-Murtoa 33. Home.

Round 18: L. 40 lost to Horsham Saints 52. Away.

* Highest score ** Lowest score

Total: Won: 8. Lost: 8. For: 665. Against: 615. Points: 32. Percentage: 108.13.

Players to watch

Ellen Bennett

Bennett commands the ball and directs play. Through the centre, she is difficult to stop, moves the ball quickly and plays a smart game.

Jenna Schneider

Schneider has the ability to switch from attack to defence to midcourt when needed and her skills shine through no matter where she is on the court.

BY ABBY WALTER

go deep into the finals and match it with the teams

Ellen Bennett was a key inclusion for Nhill this season and her strength and smarts through the midcourt make her a formidable opponent.

Lani Hobbs has been consistent in defence for the Tigers, while the versatility of young player Jenna Schneider is crucial for the team’s ability to adapt

Nhill defied the odds all season as a series of injuries had their mid-year run looking rocky, but the team battled on and adjusted well to playing in

When the middle of the ladder looked tight, and three teams were fighting for two top-five positions, Nhill stood up and won the games it needed.

The Tigers’ capacity to perform under pressure so far during the season should hold them in good stead for the high-pressure environment of finals.

In a fitting elimination final, Nhill will play Dim-

The teams first went head-to-head in round one this season, and now one team will finish the year

Both teams have won a game against each other so far this season, with Nhill winning by a margin of four goals in round nine and Dimboola winning

The Tigers have not won an A Grade premiership in more than 50 years and last progressed into a finals campaign in 2009.

Stawell proved Nhill has what it takes to

Jasmine Talbot

Every game counts

BY ABBY WALTER

Dimboola’s road to the finals

Coaches: Ant Toet and Nicole Polycarpou

Round 1: W. 35 d Nhill 32. Home.

Dimboola’s

path forward into Wimmera league’s A Grade finals is clear – the Roos must win every game.

With three teams vying for the final two positions in the finals series towards the end of the season, Dimboola fought hard to make the top five. Now it must fight harder to stay in the premiership race.

Co-coach Nicole Polycarpou said the team, and fellow coach Ant Toet, had an overarching goal of progressing further into finals than they did last season.

In 2022, Dimboola was knocked out in an elimination final against Minyip-Murtoa at Stawell.

This season, the Roos will meet Nhill in an elimination final. The Roos and Tigers are notorious rivals and with one win each throughout the season, it could be anyone’s game.

Polycarpou said, as she expected at the start of the season, the Roos could fight their way to a preliminary final.

“We know we can go higher than where we have finished on the ladder,” she said.

“I expected a top-three finish, and we could still get to the preliminary final if we win in the first two weeks of finals.”

Dimboola has played in four finals series since 2014, but is yet to make it all the way to the big game. Before 2014, the last time a Dimboola A Grade team played in finals was 1975.

The Roos have the chance again this year to break a long premiership drought.

Polycarpou said the coaches’ goal for the team was to be bigger and better each game.

“We struggled at the begin ning of the season to stay consistent,” she said.

“We have worked hard on that, and it has shown in the second half of the season.

“Our second game against the Giants in round 14 was a standout as we came from six goals down at half time to win by six goals.

“It proved to us that we can come from be hind and win games.

“Our first half against Horsham Saints in round 16 was also a standout, and while the game got away from us in the second half, it showed what we could do what we need to do to match it with the best.”

With Nhill the first team Dimboola must overcome in the finals series, tensions will be high.

Capitalising on opportunities to score will be imperative as both teams fight for the chance to play another day.

Polycarpou said a positive mindset was cru cial to Dimboola’s success this season.

“When we get around each other and support each other, that’s when we get the results we want,” she said.

Barber

Round 2: W. 57 d Warrack Eagles 40. Away.

Round 3: L. 33 lost to Horsham 68. Home.

Round 4: L. 32 lost to Stawell 45. Away.**

Round 5: W. 44 d Southern Mallee Giants 43. Home.

Round 6: W. 75 d Minyip-Murtoa 42. Away.*

Round 7: L. 48 lost to Horsham Saints 80. Home.

Round 8: Bye.

Round 9: W. 50 d Ararat 41. Away.

Round 10: L. 42 lost to Nhill 46. Away.

Round 11: W. 50 d Warrack Eagles 46. Home.

Round 12: L. 35 lost to Horsham 69. Away.

Round 13: L. 39 loss to Stawell 55. Home.

Round 14: W. 55 d Southern Mallee Giants 49. Away.

Round 15: W. 64 d Minyip-Murtoa 54. Home.

Round 16: L. 45 lost to Horsham Saints 83. Away.

Round 17: Bye.

Round 18: W. 62 d Ararat 45. Home.

* Highest score ** Lowest score

Total: Won: 9. Lost: 7. For: 766. Against: 838. Points: 36. Percentage: 91.41.

Players to watch

Holly Ross

Ross has gone from strength to strength in a goal defence role. Quick on her feet and with her eyes on the ball at all times, she can pick off intercepts at any point and it is difficult to get a ball over her head.

Billie Barber

Barber is always trusted to bring her best and rarely disappoints. Her vision into the ring often sees a pass land exactly in the hands of her goal shooter, whether she plays wing attack or goal attack.

Billie

Stawell’s road to the finals

Coach: Tessa O’Callaghan

Round 1: W. 32 d Southern Mallee Giants 29. Home.

Round 2: W. 61 d Minyip-Murtoa 40. Home.*

Round 3: L. 39 lost to Horsham Saints 41. Home.

Round 4: W. 45 d Dimboola 32. Home.

Round 5: L. 27 lost to Ararat 35. Away.**

Round 6: W. 35 d Nhill 32. Home.

Round 7: W. 51 d Warrack Eagles 27. Away.

Round 8: L. 36 lost to Horsham 54. Home.

Round 9: Bye.

Round 10: W. 40 d Southern Mallee Giants 32. Away.

Round 11: W. 53 d Minyip-Murtoa 46. Away.

Round 12: L. 36 lost to Horsham Saints 75. Away.

Round 13: W. 55 d Dimboola 39. Away.

Round 14: W. 45 d Ararat 37. Home.

Round 15: W. 32 d Nhill 31. Away.

Round 16: D. 47 drew with Warrack Eagles 47. Home.

Round 17: L. 37 lost to Horsham 57. Away.

Round 18: Bye.

* Highest score ** Lowest score

Total: Won: 10. Lost: 5. Draw: 1. For: 671. Against: 654. Points: 42. Percentage: 102.6.

Players to watch

Lisa Considine

A constant presence for many years, Considine brings her all each season and 2023 has been no exception. The quick defender will snag an intercept from anywhere.

Jemma Clarkson

Another stalwart of Stawell’s A Grade, Clarkson has worked tirelessly in the midcourt to help her team get their shot at finals. Quick through the centre court, she provides a solid link from defence to attack and reads play well.

We would like to thank our sponsors, members and all our supporters for your continued support for the 2023 season. Thank you to all the coaches, players, supporters and members who put their hand up to volunteer each week and keeping our club moving forward.

BY ABBY WALTER

tawell was a surprising inclusion to this year’s A Grade finals but there’s no doubt they finished exactly where they

After all their hard work throughout the season, the Warriors will get a double chance and play a qualifying final, after not making the top five last season.

The Warriors could not be held back this year and significant wins in the first half of the season showed exactly what they would bring to the competition – their all.

Coach Tessa O’Callaghan said her expectation for the season was for fun, on and off the court – regardless of scoreboard results.

“I’m a big believer that a team that gets along off the court plays better on the court,” she said.

“I couldn’t be prouder of how this group has come together and proven that.”

O’Callaghan said every game had presented a challenge.

“All teams showed how high the standard of the netball in our league is, and it’s a credit to all the players and coaches,” she

“Even Warrack Eagles, who we drew with in round 16 – while they didn’t win a game outright, they were really competitive all season.”

Stawell looked to be a real threat when, in round three, it lost by only two goals to the undefeated Horsham Saints. It was the closest margin for the Saints all season.

The final home-and-away rounds looked rocky as round 15 saw the Warriors sneak over the line against fifth-placed Nhill by one goal and round 16 was a draw with Warrack Eagles. Round 17 marked a 20-goal loss to Horsham before a bye, which Stawell used to reset before gearing up to play Horsham for the second time in three weeks.

O’Callaghan said all members of the team had stepped up to the challenges and wins of the season.

“Meg Walker played B Grade last year and has proved this year that she is here to stay in the A Grade,” she said.

“Our veteran players, including Lisa Considine and Jemma Clarkson, have played another outstanding season and it’s great to see it paying off for them.

“Our new players Dakota Cosson and Lauren Homden have also stepped up well into their roles this season.”

O’Callaghan said the team’s focus moving into finals was maintaining a high standard of netball.

“We’ve worked hard to get to where we are and have the double chance, come finals,” she said.

“We want to take another step up — play hard at the ball, treasure the ball when we win it and score off every opportunity.

“The team is in high spirits and it’s rewarding to be in this position so we’re ready for a successful finals campaign.”

Stawell Football & Netball Club “Callawadda Estate” Warriors

The Stawell Football and Netball Club would like to congratulate the A Grade, B Grade, C Grade, C Reserve, 13&U and 15&U netballers, Reserves and U14s footballers on their season thus far and would like to wish them all the best for the finals

Go Warriors

Dakota Cosson

Strength abounds

BY ABBY WALTER

Horsham’s

L. 59 lost to Horsham Saints 63. Home.

Horsham

is on a path to redemption after an A Grade netball premiership slipped through its fingers in September last year.

Finishing second, and only losing on two oc casions to the top team this season, the Demons are primed to cause an upset during their finals campaign.

Horsham consistently scored more than 50 goals a game and conceded only slightly more than half that many goals, on average, through out the season.

Coach Tiff Heir said the experience of play ers at both ends of the court would hold the team in good stead, come finals.

She said the ‘old heads’ of Ebonie Salter, Marnie Lehmann and Jedda Heard in defence made for a strong combination.

“I think we have the best defensive line-up in the league and I think Saints have the best attacking line-up,” Heir said.

“We added Georgia Batson to our ranks in goals and her experience has also been a good addition to the team.

“Our ability to move the ball really quickly is an asset for us, too.

“We can get the ball from one end of the court to the other if everything is working for us.”

With five premierships since 2012 and seven grand final appearances, the Demons are no stranger to the pressure of finals netball.

Horsham’s versatility is noteworthy, with 2022 Hatcher Medallist Georgie Carberry tran-

between the two teams, in 2018 and 2022, Horsham Saints were victorious. Is 2023 the year when the Demons can turn the trend around and be premiers, dislodging their cross-town rivals from the top spot?

Wishing all Wimmera league teams a success l finals series

W. 55 d Southern Mallee Giants 21. Home.

W. 59 d Southern Mallee Giants 25. Away. Won: 14. Lost: 2. For: 963. Against: 553.

The smart, experienced defender brings depth to the line-up. While reading the ball well and moving it down the court quickly, opponents will need to make sure they know where Salter is at

Georgie Carberry

The 2022 Hatcher Medallist will want redemption in this finals series, after finishing runner-up last year. Carberry has moved into a midcourt position and her vision into the goal ring is a huge asset.

Georgie Carberry

Horsham Saints’ road to the finals

Coach: Jess Cannane

Round 1: W. 79 d Warrack Eagles 32. Home.

Round 2: W. 63 d Horsham 59. Away.

Round 3: W. 41 d Stawell 39. Away.**

Round 4: W. 51 d Southern Mallee Giants 31. Away.

Round 5: W. 93 d Minyip-Murtoa 47. Home.

Round 6: Bye.

Round 7: W. 80 d Dimboola 48. Away.

Round 8: W. 79 d Ararat 49. Home.

Round 9: W. 60 d Nhill 28. Away.

Round 10: W. 77 d Warrack Eagles 38. Away.

Round 11: W. 63 d Horsham 56. Home.

Round 12: W. 75 d Stawell 36. Home.

Round 13: W. 88 d Southern Mallee Giants 53. Home.

Round 14: W. 96 d Minyip-Murtoa 43. Away.*

Round 15: Bye.

Round 16: W. 83 d Dimboola 45. Home.

Round 17: W. 63 d Ararat 40. Away.

Round 18: W. 52 d Nhill 40. Home.

* Highest score ** Lowest score

Total: Won: 16. Lost: 0. For: 1143. Against: 684.

Points: 64. Percentage: 167.11.

Players to watch

Jorja Clode

No-one could tell this tall goal shooter is one of the youngest A Grade players in the competition, with her calm and collected manner in the goal ring. With almost 700 goals to her name this season, Clode is the perfect target for Saints’ feeders.

Erin Mellington

Mellington made the switch from Horsham District league to Wimmera league this season and has fit perfectly into a goal-keeper role. Her voice provides great direction and her experience shines.

Full speed ahead

BY ABBY WALTER

orsham Saints did not break their stride, transitioning from a thrilling premiership win to an undefeated season in 2023.

The Saints were a force to be reckoned with from the first whistle of round one and have averaged more than 70 goals a game.

Coach Jess Cannane said despite team changes in the off-season, the line-up showed massive potential at the start of the year.

“It’s quite pleasing to be undefeated — it was our goal to be playing finals again this year,” she

“Throughout the year, the team’s confidence has grown as the different combinations have become

“We have also worked on our ability to finish games off well.”

Last season, the Saints’ highest score was 70 goals and largest winning margin was 20 goals.

This year their highest score was 96 and largest winning margin was 53 goals.

Cannane said the Saints would have previously been content to win by small margins and only aim to maintain a lead rather than extend it.

“This year we have been consistently extending our wins,” she said.

“Going into finals will be all about continuing what we have been doing in finishing games.

“We will prepare in the best possible way to be able to play out every 15 minutes.”

Cannane said it was pleasing to have the opportunity to give younger players game time in

a senior team. “It has been a seamless transition. We have some super-talented juniors and to have been able to put them into our different combinations ensures we have a dynamic team,” she said.

“It is also pleasing to know our future is bright for the club.”

The Saints’ biggest challengers this season were Horsham, which lost by less than 10 goals on both occasions, and Stawell, which lost by two on the first occasion the teams met.

Cannane said two games against Horsham were standouts throughout the season.

“Horsham is a good match-up for us and to get the jump on them in round two by four goals and round 11 by seven goals set us up well to continue what we had been doing,” she said.

“We’ll be ready, come finals, as we will likely meet them twice during the next four weeks.

“Going into finals, we will re-emphasise that what we do is working and we know we can perform under the pressure Horsham brings every time they play.

“We’re going to use the week off to regroup and ensure we have made it through the season unscathed and ready to do what we have been working towards all season.”

Cannane said there was a quiet excitement building throughout the team.

“We finished the season with a strong focus on making sure we kept up our momentum,” she said.

“Now we can continue to show why we finished on top and enjoy the position of having a week off.”