Page 27Wednesday, August 24, 2022 www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au Narrow chassis design provides maximum turning angle Three selectable steering modes Narrow chassis design provides maximum turning angle Three selectable steering modes Superior operator environment Powerful and consistent hydraulic system Superior operator environment Powerful and consistent hydraulic system YOUR LOCAL MF 0%MASSEYFERGUSON.COM.AUDEALERatTraction AG Traction Ag Horsham 135 Stawell Road HORSHAM Phone: 03 5381 1385 Traction Ag Nhill 6 Brougham Street NHILL Phone: 03 5391 1144sales@tractionag.com.au | www.tractionag.com.au MF9407S TELEHANDLER OPTIMUM REACH AND MANOEUVRABILITY MF MOWERS PERFORMANCE THAT CUTS THROUGH EVERY NEED *Offer ends 29th February 2016, while stocks last. Final installation by 30th November 2016. 0% finance to AGCO Finance customers who hold a current ABN only. 30% deposit, GST paid in fourth month. 5 annual payments commencing 6 months after installation. Terms and conditions apply. MASSEY FERGUSON®, MF®, the triple-triangle logo® is a worldwide brand of AGCO. © 2015 TRACTION AG ... YOUR NO. 1 HAY AND HARVEST TEAM THIS SEASON Wishing all teams and players in the Wimmera Football Netball League the best of luck for the 2022 finals. Traction Ag Horsham 135 Stawell Road HORSHAM Phone: 03 5381 www.tractionag.com.au1385 Traction Ag Nhill 6 Brougham Street NHILL Phone: 03 5391 1144 IN THIS FEATURE: We preview the top-five football and netball teams ahead of finals WFNL FiNaLs Wimmera Football Netball League Proudly brought to you by: Shackles are off
“We wouldn’t be happy going out in the first week,” he said. “Going in and knowing that each game could be the last you play for the year means there’s pressure, but we will face elimination head-on all the way through to the end.”
Home. Round
Against: 1101. Points: 32. Percentage: 125.61. Leading goal-kickers Jack Landt 35, Jonathon Ross 35.
Lost: 5. For:
Page 28 Wednesday, August 24, 2022www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
Away.* Round 17: Bye. Round 18:
Dimboola unexpectantly rose to the challenge this year, starting the season with a 12 pre miership point penalty and making up the differ ence to finish with a finals berth. It was not until after round seven that the Roos began moving up on the board with their fourth win of the season. Since that round, they lost two games, against secondplaced Minyip-Murtoa and third-placed Stawell.
roadDimboola’stothefinalsCoach:JackLandt Round 1: L. 9.13 (67) lost to Southern Mallee Giants 15.16 (106). Away. Round 2: L. 9.14 (68) lost to Minyip-Murtoa 11.9 (75). Home. Round 3: W. 10.15 (75) d Horsham 9.9 (63). Away. Round 4: L. 6.6 (42) lost to Ararat 12.14 (86). Away. Round 5: W. 10.13 (73) d Stawell 10.10 (70). Home. Round 6: W. 19.12 (126) d Nhill 11.6 (72). Away. Round 7: W. 16.13 (109) d Horsham Saints 10.6 (66). Home. Round 8: Bye. Round 9: W. 16.16 (112) d Warrack Eagles 11.5 (71). Away. Round 10: W. 16.12 (108) d Southern Mallee Gi ants 14.8 (92). Home. Round 11: L. 7.7 (49) lost to Minyip-Murtoa 10.12 (72). Away. Round 12: W. 15.15 (105) d Horsham 12.9 (81). Home. Round 13: W. 12.9 (81) d Ararat 11.10 (76). Home. Round 14: L. 4.8 (32) lost to Stawell 4.14 (38). 15: W. 12.8 (80) Nhill 2.13 (25). 16: W. 19.17 (131) Horsham Saints (69). W. 17.23 (125) 6.3 11. 1383.
10.9
Of the top five, Dimboola has had the most points scored against them during the season, so to keep on top of their opponents they must ensure their defence is ef ficient every quarter.
(39). Home. * Highest score ** Lowest score Total: Won:
d Warrack Eagles
Dimboola’s finals campaign was not secured until it defeated Warrack Eagles in the final round, sitting at 28 points with Horsham and Southern Mallee Giants before entering round 18. Dimboola added several players to the mix this year, with newbies Jonathon Ross and Michael Bowden ce menting themselves as impactful players early.
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WFNL
Senior coach Jack Landt assumed the role in round nine after sharing it with Justin Beugelaar early on. He said getting to finals was the standard the team wanted to reach.
BY ABBY WALTER
Away.** Round
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Dimboola faithfuls, captain Jackson O’Neill in the backline and Jayden Lehmann in the ruck, have both continued to show their strengths.
FiNaLsRoosDimboola Proudly brought to you by: Versatile Roos Congratulations to all teams who have made the finals for the 2022 season Good luck from BelleVue Machinery for the upcoming games E. warrack@bellevuemachinery.com.au P. (03) 5394 1070 238 Henty Highway, Warracknabeal VIC bellevuemachinery.com.au
Matthew Rosier
HamishSellens finals Football and Netball club would like to thank all their sponsors and members for the 2022 season
Jonathon Ross With more than 30 goals to his name for the sea son, Ross is a pivotal player for the Roos. Quick on his feet, he has made an impression on the competition during his first year of Wimmera foot ball. Often getting a jump on his opponent, he can be trusted to get results on most occasions from anywhere in the forward 50.
In the midfield, Rosier is a dependable teammate who is consistently on the ball and working hard to push forward. Despite being one of the smaller players on the field, he makes up for it in speed and determination – a trait hard to miss.
In his first season of senior football, Harradine has not missed a step, slotting into the side this year. He can transition from the backline to midfield and with his athleticism is often hot on his opponents’ heels ready for a tackle or to take the mark. He is excited to have his first taste of senior football finals this year.
“Ourselves and the Demons have both beaten Ararat and Stawell, and the Giants defeated Stawell and MinyipMurtoa, who are in the top three; while the three of us were tussling to the very end for a finals berth,” he said.
Harper Harradine
“This could be the year the team who finishes fourth or fifth could go to the end and win a flag.
O’Neill leads from the backline and is seen direct ing play and using his experience to bring the de fenders together. The backman is a long-time member of Dimboola and works hard each game to prevent the opposition from getting a clean run to goal. He combines well with fellow backmen Scott Polycarpou and Darcy Barber.
Darcy Dubois WFNL FiNaLs DimboolaRoos Proudly brought to you by: Good luck to all teams playing in the 2022
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series Dimboola
“During finals, at an individual level, you get to see the good players stand up and it’s really awesome to see the young players show you what they can do well,” he said.
Page 29Wednesday, August 24, 2022 www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au Jackson O’Neill
Landt said each win was an effort by the whole team, rather than individual players. We have a versatile group of players so we don’t rely on just one or two players, we play a real team game,” he“Isaid.think our ball movement down the field is really good, too.” In the dying moments of round 13, Dimboola pulled off its biggest surprise of the season by narrowly defeating Ararat. The Roos lost to Minyip-Murtoa twice this season, the Burras being the only team to take it to them both times they met. Landt said there would be no easy games in finals based on results throughout the season.
Players to watchstand united
“I have been looking back at previous seasons and they have been far less even than this year, which is really interesting.”Withseveral first-year senior players qualifying for finals consideration, Landt is excited to see how they will perform under pressure.
Phone:
Tim McKenzie 8 Turnbull Drive,
Senior co-coach Tyler Blake said it was a relief to make
Aside from a 24-point loss to Dimboola, Horsham did not lose another game by 14 points or more. They lost to Minyip-Murtoa twice by 11 points and their smallest losing margin was 10 points to Southern Mallee
Senior co-coach Jordyn Burke said his team had the abil ity to take it to the top teams in the coming weeks.
Defeating first-placed Ararat and third-placed Stawell in a final effort to finish in fourth position has established Horsham as a team not to discredit despite them starting with an elimination final. Demons supporters would have been crossing their fin gers when they faced Stawell for the final time, after an up-and-down performance throughout the season.
Brad Hartigan Horsham 03 5381 1300
Page 30 Wednesday, August 24, 2022
roadHorsham’stothefinalsCoaches:TylerBlakeandJordynBurke Round 1: W. 15.15 (105) d Nhill 11.11 (77). Away. Round 2: W. 16.14 (110) d Horsham Saints 7.10 (52). Home. Round 3: L. 9.9 (63) lost to Dimboola 10.15 (75). Home. Round 4: L. 10.9 (69) lost to Warrack Eagles 11.9 (75). Away. Round 5: W. 13.16 (94) d Southern Mallee Giants 4.12 (36). Home. Round 6: L. 9.8 (62) lost to Minyip-Murtoa 10.13 (73). Away. Round 7: Bye. Round 8: L. 6.15 (51) lost to Ararat 9.10 (64). Home. Round 9: L. 11.9 (75) lost to Stawell 13.11 (89). Away. Round 10: W. 17.17 (119) d Nhill 5.11 (41). Home. Round 11: W. 11.24 (90) Horsham Saints 3.10 (28). Away. Round 12: L. 12.9 (81) lost to Dimboola 15.15 (105). Away. Round 13: W. 24.15 (159) d Warrack Eagles. 4.10 (34). Home.* Round 14: L. 4.5 (29) lost to Southern Mallee Giants 5.9 (39). Away.** Round 15: L. 8.8 (56) lost to Minyip-Murtoa 9.11 (65). Home. Round 16: Bye. Round 17: W. 13.8 (86) d Ararat 10.11 (71). Away. Round 18: W. 6.11 (47) d Stawell 6.7. (43) Home. * Highest score ** Lowest score Total: Won: 8. Lost: 8. For: 1296. Against:
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“It’s been an up-and-down year – we haven’t been the most consistent and there is plenty of work to be done to get all the way,” he said.
967. Points: 32. Percentage: 134.02. Leading goal-kickers Josh Mibus 31, Rhona Conboy 19.
Their biggest winning margin against a top-five side was 58 points against the Giants, followed by a 15-point win
WFNL FiNaLsDemonsHorsham Proudly brought to you by:
“What we do have is good depth of players; the young ones are stepping up and we have players in their prime, so there are no weak links.”
orsham’s position in finals was looking precarious heading into the final two rounds of the season, but some surprise wins kept the Demons in the competition to fight another week
Youth
The Demons were unable to string together more than two wins in a row.
BY ABBY WALTER
Patrick Purcell Midfielder Purcell made his return to Wimmera league this year and did not disappoint. With experience as a coach and a player, he is a steady presence on the field and is not afraid to get in on the contest. He is an other Demons player with previous stints in finals and will likely work well under the pressure.
“Youth is a big thing in our favour and with that comes fitness; we have an even spread of strength across the field, so we are not relying on minimum players to do the whole job,” he said.
Rhys Barber Horsham’s reliable ruckman Rhys Barber is in for a big finals series as he continues to make his mark on the competition. Notably, he claimed the pres tigious Bert Perry Medal in this year’s Anzac Day clash. He gets plenty of clearances and will be a challenging opponent.
Wednesday, August 24, 2022 www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au Brody Pope One of the younger members of the Demons’ squad, Pope is excited to get a taste of senior finals. Playing in the midfield, he takes every opportunity to get in the contest and work for possession. As a member of the Greater Western Victoria Rebels squad, he continues to improve throughout the season as he gains more experi ence in senior football.
Ben Lakin
Players to watch
driving Demons
“I fully expect the close games to continue and with so many close losses to the top teams, I know we are fully capable of playing the level of footy we need to go all the way.” Blake said the team would continue to train and play to the best of their abilities.
“The aim is always to make it to finals as it’s another stepping stone to a flag,” he said. “When you’re rocking up to training and it’s five degrees, the flag is what you dream and work towards all“Nearlyyear. 80 percent of our players have contested finals and know the intensity, so that experience helps the younger players settle as well.”
Horsham continues to hold the record for the most flags won in a row, with 10 from 2003 to 2012 and has since won another three, playing in finals in all but one year of the past 20 years. In the recent years of success, until now, Horsham only played an elimination final in the first week on one other occasion, in 2016. Burke said playing an elimination final first up put some urgency on the team’s performance.
“It’s great to be involved in finals but we’re not going to want to end our season in week one of finals,” he said. “Finals is where the best players and best teams are playing, and good teams will rise to the top and that’s what it’s all about. “We’re going to be watching the best footy of the year from now on.”
Brody Pope WFNL FiNaLs HorshamDemons Proudly brought to you by: your home of football the shirtfront Catching up on all the sportinglocalnews Bringing AFL to you Keep updated online via the 1089 3WM Facebook pageEVERY8am-10amSATURDAY Scan to listen live
Lakin is a key leader in the Demons’ unit from centre-half back and is often a standout in crucial games. Also capable of kicking a goal or two, Lakin is a versatile player who steps up to do his role. He is a consistent top player in finals, having been best-on-ground in previous premiership
Home.
Senior coach Tom Eckel said it ‘felt good’ to be going into finals knowing the team had a double chance to play another week.
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1) How we move, (have an adjustment – don’t put up with a problem even if it’s not painful – if it’s stopping you from moving well, you need a hand from me.)
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Away.
2) How we think (keep positive and read something uplifting every day, being over-anxious causes stress on the nervous system & compromising the immune system)
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“We’d secured the spot in third and we haven’t been in this posi tion in a while. It’s a good feel ing,” he said. Jarrod Stafford and Mitch Thorp joined the Warriors’ ranks this season and after time away, former captain David Morris re turned to don the red-and-black once again. The team also saw some young er players work their way into the Thorp has been a crucial el ement of the forward line with a consistent record of goals this season. Early in the year, Eckel told The Weekly Advertiser that winning a flag would not be the only measure of success. “Although it would be great to reach that pinnacle,” he said. Eckel said throughout the season, players had been defending well as a team. “Across the board, there is con fidence in each other and in the game we play,” he said. “We have no weak links and hopefully that stands as we come intoStawellfinals.”last won a grand final in 2000 and, aside from Nhill who last won a premiership in 1981, have been waiting the longest to raise a premiership flag at home ground Central Park in Stawell. Their last grand final appearance was in 2007 when they lost to Hor sham at Warracknabeal.
WFNL FiNaLsWarriorsStawell Proudly brought to you by: Sam Williams Stawell Bi-Rite 141 Main Street Ph: 03 5358 5000 Stawell, VIC 3380 stawell@birite.com.au Good luck to all Stawell Warriors teams
Home.
Page 32 Wednesday, August 24, 2022www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au BOWERS CHIROPRACTIC CENTRE 6 Allen Crescent, Stawell 3380 | M: 0459 754 223 | T: 03 5358 1464 Dr. Pauline Walsh B. Clinc Sci B. App. Sci (Chiropractic), DACCP
9.10 (64). Home. Round 18: L. 6.7 (43) lost to Horsham 6.11 (47). Away. * Highest score ** Lowest score Total: Won: 10. Lost: 6. For: 1248. Against: 926. Points: 40. Percentage: 134.77. Leading goal-kickers Mitch Thorp 46, Paul Summers 26.
Choices Flooring by Westside 5358 3374 | 38 Ararat Road, Stawell 5382 3374 | 58 McPherson Street, Horsham choices ooring.com.au Proudly supporting Stawell Warriors football and netball teams. Good luck in the finals... 27RUPANYUPCromieSt MURTOA 19 McDonald St STAWELL 15 Horsham Rd availableServices at this branch: • ServicesAgronomy • Fertiliser • Finance • Insurance • Merchandise OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8am-5.30pm • CLOSED SATURDAY, SUNDAY The RetailerAg of the Future. STAWELL (03) 5358 5500 Wishing the Warriors all the best in the 2022 finals Stawell’s road to the finals Coach: Tom Eckel Round 1: L. 10.11 (71) lost to Ararat 18.12 (120). Home. Round 2: Bye. Round 3: W. 13.8 (86) d Nhill 6.6 (42). Away. Round 4: W. 11.11 (77) d Horsham Saints 6.6 (42). Home. Round 5: L. 10.10 (70) lost to Dimboola 10.13 (73). Away. Round 6: W. 16.15
BY ABBY WALTER tawell is ready to have a crack at winning a premiership flag, after performing one of its best seasons in several years.While it has made finals five times in the past 10 years, this is the most con sistent football the Wimmera has seen from the Warriors heading into one of the closest finals series in recent history. Of the five games that they lost this year, three games had mar gins of three points or less.
Home.
Absorbing nutrients from food helps us heal and have a healthy nervous system & immune system. Remember when you were sick, healthy bone broths of chicken and beef were always good you.) Get some sunshine! Vitamin D is wonderful for the immune system, and after a cold, grey winter we tend to be low in this.
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3) How we eat. (Eat good quality food, lots of fruit, vegies and some fresh meat.
Three major things affect the nervous system and your spine:
A healthy, well moving spine is great nutrition for the brain, it helps you think clearer, move better and sleep better. Looking forward to helping you. (111) Warrack Eagles 3.11 (29). Round 7: W. 9.22 (76) Southern Mallee Giants 7.6 (48). Round 8: L. 6.7 (43) lost to Minyip-Murtoa 5.14 (44). Round 9: W. 13.11 (89) Horsham 11.9 (75). Round 10: W. 9.7 (61) Ararat 6.20 (56). Away. Round 11: Bye. Round 12: W. 24.16 (160) d Nhill 6.5 (41). Home.* Round 13: W. 14.17 (101) d Horsham Saints 13.5 (83). Away. Round 14: W. 4.14 (38) d Dimboola 4.8 (32). Home.** Round 15: W. 14.12 (96) d Warrack Eagles 7.7 (49). Away. Round 16: L. 9.9 (63) lost to Southern Mallee Giants 12.9 (81). Away. Round 17: L. 9.9 (63) lost to Minyip-Murtoa ‘It’s a
“It will be a good experience for some of our players who have never played senior finals, includ ing myself, as I haven’t played many senior finals.
WFNL FiNaLs WarriorsStawell
Proudly brought to you by:
With six wins in the past 10 rounds, Stawell is look ing like a smooth unit on its way through the finals.
Minyip-Murtoa is the only team to have beaten Stawell twice, how ever both times it was only by a point. Stawell also lost to Dimboola, Southern Mallee Giants and Ara rat, but has proven it can beat them when playing their game. Eckel said the competition was the best it had been in some time.
good
Dark is an athletic backman in the Stawell line-up who, as a staple of the Warriors’ side, leads by example and his experience is a great asset to the side. He will be dangerous for any forward opponent and his strength is hard to match.
A player who transitions from the half-back line to the midfield, Walker is a speedy and versatile member of the team. He has been outpacing many opponents throughout the year and on the odd occasion has shot through to kick a goal. Any player manning up on Walker will have to keep their eyes open to ensure he does not get the jump Williams has hit his stride this season and has continued to improve week-in-week-out in the eyes of his coach, Eckel. As a centre-half forward, he can be counted on to get the ball to consistent goal-kickers Mitch Thorp and Paul Summers. He uses the ball well and is someone to look for in this
On-baller Kimber is an integral member of Stawell’s midfield unit and, when required, can push forward and bag a few goals. He is another long-standing Warrior who will be hungry to go far in finals. With more than 200 senior games under his belt, his mature style of play will make him stand out in a contest. Players to watchfeeling’
“It’s an awesome competition at the moment and any team could win, so it will be interesting to see who makes it all the way,” he said. “The standard of football is great – especially once you get to finals.
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“We’re looking forward to the atmosphere with having all the clubs around. “There will be some good games of football.”
WFNL FiNaLsBurrasMinyip-Murtoa Proudly brought to you by: 27RUPANYUPCromieSt MURTOA 19 McDonald St STAWELL 15 Horsham Rd availableServices at this branch: • ServicesAgronomy • Fertiliser • Finance • Insurance • Merchandise OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8am-6pm, SATURDAY 8am-noon • CLOSED SUNDAY The RetailerAg of the Future. MURTOA (03) 5385 2285 Wishing the Burras all the best in the 2022 finals The Bow Bakery would like to wish Minyip-Murtoa football and netball teams the very best for the finals Go Burras!!! RAINBOW (03) 5395 1015 HOPETOUN (03) 5083 3052 Open Monday – Friday 8.30am-5pm Proprietors: Stuart and Mark Cocks Email: bowbakery@bigpond.com Freshly baked bread, pastries and small-goods daily Kenny Road, Horsham Ph: 5382 0687 Industrial Road, Murtoa Ph: 5385 2336 www.kjbakercartage.com.au Bulk Cartage & ContractorsEarthmoving good luck to all Minyip-Murtoa Football Netball teams in the 2022 finals
Mackenzie said second place was a good spot to finish and he was looking forward to seeing what the upcoming games would bring. “I think our team defence is really strong and has been winning us games,” he said. “Also, our mindset that we never give up. “If our backs are against the wall we still fight and find a way to win – I think that’s a really important trait among the group.”
Will Holmes
Mackenzie said his side would not need any extra motivation or pep talks ahead of the finals. “Finals are a pretty big deal and we are pretty motivated to win,” he said.
BY ABBY WALTER eining Wimmera senior football premier Minyip-Murtoa is ready to make the most of its doublechance finals run after finishing the season second on the ladder. As 2021 minor premiers, the Burras have cemented themselves as one of the stronger sides in the competition in Ararat was the only team capable of defeating them on both occasions the teams met throughout the home-andaway season. Minyip-Murtoa senior coach Tim Mackenzie said every team in the top five would be competitive in the coming weeks. “I think anyone who has made finals has the potential to go all the way this year,” he said. “It’s going to be a really entertaining finals series.”
Page 34 Wednesday, August 24, 2022www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au roadMinyip-Murtoa’stothefinalsCoach:TimMackenzie Round 1: W. 11.9 (75) d Horsham Saints 7.6 (48). Home. Round 2: W. 11.9 (75) d Dimboola 9.14 (68). Away. Round 3: W. 12.13 (85) d Warrack Eagles 5.5 (35). Home. Round 4: W. 10.4 (64) d Southern Mallee Giants 6.10 (46). Away. Round 5: Bye. Round 6: W. 10.13 (73) d Horsham 9.8 (62). Home. Round 7: L. 11.9 (75) lost to Ararat 12.7 (79). Away. Round 8: W. 5.14 (44) d Stawell 6.7 (43). Home.** Round 9: W. 21.17 (143) d Nhill 6.4 (40). Away.* Round 10: W. 13.16 (94) d Horsham Saints 7.9 (51). Away. Round 11: W. 10.12 (72) d Dimboola 7.7 (49). Home. Round 12: W. 6.12 (48) d Warrack Eagles 5.7 (37). Away. Round 13: L. 6.11 (47) lost to South ern Mallee Giants 8.8 (56). Home. Round 14: Bye. Round 15: W. 9.11 (65) d Horsham 8.8 (56). Away. Round 16: L. 7.12 (54) lost to Ararat 9.10 (64). Home. Round 17: W. 9.10 (64) d Stawell 9.9 (63). Away. Round 18: W. 12.13 (85) d Nhill 2.6 (18). Home. * Highest score ** Lowest score Total: Won: 13. Lost: 3. For: 1163. Against: 815. Points: 52. Percentage: 142.70. Leading goal-kickers Jae McGrath 35, Corey Morgan 21.
Motivation and
While the Burras’ defensive line-up has maintained its strength from last season, with the average score against them each game 46 points in 2021 and 53 points this season, other teams have done a more effective job of slowing down the forward line. Last year, Minyip-Murtoa lost one game out of 12 and averaged 115 points each game, compared with 72 points a game this year. Despite the closer competition this season, the Burras will be looking for back-to-back premierships, with plenty of finals experience under their belts since 2016, but only one grand final win.
Minyip-Murtoa narrowly scraped onepoint wins in rounds eight and 17 against Stawell, and the qualifying final is set to see another close game between these Percentage was the Burras’ only bar rier to finishing at the top of the lad der this season, with less than two-goal margins across eight games.
Page 35Wednesday, August 24, 2022 www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au Will Holmes Holmes has been one of the Burras’ most con sistent players in the 2022 season. A strong contender in the midfield, and while he is not the tallest man on the field, is determined to gain possession of the ball. He has also been known to push forward and snag a couple of goals when the opportunity arises.
One of the Burras’ main goal kickers, McGrath is a tall target in the forward line and is a force to be reckoned with. A leader on the field, he brings experience to the team and works well under pres sure. He is well supported by other key goal-kicker Corey Morgan.
Luke Fisher Fisher is another consistent on-baller for the Bur ras, often seen in the middle of a contest for the ball and will not let many opposition players slip past him. Agile on the field, he pushes forward well and is part of a succinct midfield unit that will be hard to combat.
“In finals, the standard of the football goes up pretty high and the weather is usually better,” he said. “All your pre-season and all your hard work throughout the season comes down to playing finals, so it’s a really good feeling.”
A two-time Toohey Medallist, Delahunty is a wellknown name in the Wimmera football scene and is likely to put on another good performance this finals series. As the Burras’ main ruckman, he is a standout in the middle of the ground.
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“I don’t think a whole lot of changes are needed for teams when you head into finals – we’ll train for our game plan throughout the week and depending on our opponent, train for them a little bit, too, to combat what they bring.”
Kieran Delahunty
Jae McGrath
Players to watch
Minyip-Murtoa started the season with every intention of being a strong con tender for finals and a flag, despite a slightly changed team list. At the beginning of the season, the Burras welcomed former Fremantle Dockers and North Adelaide player Tanner Smith and Holbrook’s Hume league Azzi Medallist Will Holmes to theTheseside.additions filled some of the gaps left by the departure of sibling duos Tim and Ben McIntyre, and Nick and Kade Petering.Mackenzie said 18 rounds and weeks of pre-season all cumulated in four weeks of the best football of the year in August and September.
“We’re in the best possible position we can be, with a double direct shot at the grand final,” “We got out of the box early and were winning plenty of games. “We’ve had some issues in the back end of the season, but over Ararat finished on the lower half of the ladder in the abandoned 2021 season, and in the 2022 pre-season was dedicated to improv ing on that position.
Page 36 Wednesday, August 24, 2022www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au roadArarat’stothefinalsCoach:MattWalder Round 1: W. 18.12 (120) d Stawell 10.11 (71). Away. Round 2: W. 21.18 (144) d Nhill 4.1 (25). Home. Round 3: W. 24.14 (158) d Horsham Saints 1.11 (17). Away.* Round 4: W. 12.14 (86) d Dimboola 6.6 (42). Home. Round 5: W. 13.8 (86) d Warrack Eagles 2.6 (18). Home. Round 6: W. 9.12 (66) d Southern Mallee Giants 4.4 (28). Away. Round 7: W. 12.7 (79) d Minyip-Murtoa 11.9 (75). Home. Round 8: W. 9.10 (64) d Horsham 6.15 (51). Away. Round 9: Bye. Round 10: L. 6.20 (56) lost to Stawell 9.7 (61). Home.** Round 11: W. 21.11 (137) d Nhill 7.8 (50). Away. Round 12: W. 12.19 (91) d Horsham Saints 9.9 (63). Home. Round 13: L. 11.10 (76) lost to Dimboola 12.9 (81). Away. Round 14: W. 17.13 (115) d Warrack Eagles 2.3 (15). Away. Round 15: W. 7.16 (58) d Southern Mallee Giants 4.6 (30). Home. Round 16: W. 9.10 (64) d Minyip-Murtoa 7.12 (54). Away. Round 17: L. 10.11 (71) lost to Horsham 13.8 (86). Home. Round 18: Bye. *Highest score. ** Lowest score. Total: Won: 13. Lost: 3. For: 1471. Against: 767. Points: 52. Percentage: 191.79. Leading goal-kickers Tom Mills 35, Corey Taylor 34.
Tom Mills and Corey Taylor have been the team’s most consist ent goal-kickers this season. Walder said from one end of the ground to the other, the team was working well. “We tick a lot of bases. The team kicked the most goals and defended hard across the field each week,” he said. Of the three games they lost, there were two games with a five-point margin and one with a 15-point margin. Ethan Summers
Returning locals Liam Cavanagh and Alan Batchelor bolstered the side from last season and intakes Ben Christodolou and Mat thew Hutchesson have made a difference to the line-up.
High
hopes for WFNL FiNaLsRatsArarat Proudly brought to you by: 03 5352 2794 admin@araratrsl.com.au 74-76 High Street, Ararat We wish the Ararat RSL Rats football netball teams playing in finals all the best! PROUD MAJOR SPONSORS ourDownloadfreeapp Gain instant access to coupons, deals the latest information on the club and much more!
BY ABBY WALTER rarat is staring down the barrel of a possible grand final appearance after finishing minor premier in the 2022 season. With only three losses, the Rats set the benchmark this season, averaging 56-point wins, with Stawell averaging the second big gest wins at a 40-point average. Ararat won its last premiership flag in 2001. Senior coach Matt Walder said their ladderleader result was what the team had planned for from the beginning of the season.
consistent Rats
Jacob Bates Bates first began his journey with Ararat more than 12 years ago and returned this year after one season away. He is a versatile staple for the team. Known for his ability to play at all ends of the field, he is adaptable and competitive for possession of the ball.
Hutchesson has been one of the dominant ruck men in the competition this season and is a strong player to come up against. Starting with the Rats this year, he has combined well with the young side and is well supported by a quick midfield. He has also played forward this year to kick a few Ben Taylor
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Adam Haslett
“This is our opportunity to gain what we all aspire to do each season, and we will hold out on to those hopes in the coming weeks,” Walder said. “If you’re not jumping out of your skin at this time of year, then something is wrong.”
Liam Cavanagh Cavanagh is a reliable member of the Rats’ defen sive unit and is a player who tests the forward line of many teams. Ararat’s backline has had some of the lowest numbers of goals scored against them per game throughout the season. Cavanagh plays a smart game and will be difficult to beat.
Matthew Hutchesson
Players to watch Ararat will have two weeks off to get their head in the game, with a round 18 bye and jumping straight into the second semi-final in week two of the series. A win against either Minyip-Murtoa or Stawell, pending the results of the qualifying final, would see the Rats head the grand final for the first time in 20 years. Despite having a significantly higher percentage than fellow finals teams, Walder said he knows there are no guarantees come the most important four weeks of the season.
After a stint away from Wimmera football, Taylor has returned this season as a midfielder in the Rats’ line-up and is hard to miss. He is a tough player to get the ball from and is a strong player in any contest. Testament to his versatility, Taylor’s work in the forward 50 is as strong as that in the middle of the ground.
“Every team is dangerous and that’s the beauty of the competition from first to fifth – anyone can win,” he said. “It’s a terrific sign and means the league is in good strength when every opportunity is open through finals.” Ararat has not played in a grand final since 2002 when it was runner-up to Warrack Eagles, and since then has made seven finals appearances but has been unable to get to the big dance. This year the club celebrated 150 years of the Rats, after being unable to celebrate in 2021, and a premiership would truly capoff this historical milestone.
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Petering said there was a level of extra pres sure that came from starting the finals with an elimination final.
“We’ve worked hard all year on the transition from defence to attack, so our main strength is getting it from one end to the other.”
Round 1: L. 38 lost to Horsham Saints 45. Home. Round 2: W. 43 d Dimboola 33. Away. Round 3: W. 48 d Warrack Eagles 22. Home. Round 4: W. 47 d Southern Mallee Giants 36. Away. Round 5: Bye. Round 6: L. 31 lost to Horsham 56. Home. Round 7: L. 40 lost to Ararat 48. Away. Round 8: W. 30 d Stawell 27. Home. Round 9: v Nhill, no game. Round 10: L. 49 lost to Horsham Saints 59. Away.* Round 11: L. 30 lost to Dimboola 40. Home. Round 12: W. 38 d Warrack Eagles 35. Away. Round 13: 42 lost to Southern Mallee Giants 47. Home. Round 14: Bye. Round 15: L. 26 lost to Horsham 37. Away.** Round 16: L. 29 lost to Ararat 36. Home. Round 17: W. 49 d Stawell 44. Away.* Round 18: v Nhill, no game. * Highest score ** Lowest score
“Knowing that each game could be the last for the season, we will have to give it our all.”
Minyip-Murtoa’s position in the top five was not secure until round 17 when it defeated Stawell by five goals.
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“Having that single focus means the intensity builds and the excitement grows. “We’ve worked really hard and to get to this point was our aim from the start of the season.”
The team’s final position on the ladder was not set until after the final round.
“It’s exciting for the league that the competition is this close; there will be no guaranteed winner, it will come down to who steps up on the day,” she“Itsaid.will be a great finals campaign; it’s been the year where anything can happen and every game will be close.”
Starting fresh Maddi Morgan Players to watch Faith McKenzie A new addition to the Burras’ line-up this season, she has made her mark in the competition. Her height as a defender is a great asset and her agility down the court makes her a tough opponent. Meg Cashin A ‘pocket rocket’ through the midcourt, she has great ball control and balances speed and patience to make smart decisions about the game.
“We can put the season in the rear-view mirror and really focus on getting to the grand final,”
“We have to step up at training and we will have to win every game to go all the way in fianls,” she said.
Petering said every team would have to work extra hard to make it to the big dance this year.
While Petering said there were strengths all over the court, the defensive line-up of Emily Langley, Faith McKenzie and Tamika Mentha is a formidable combination. This is evident as, next to Horsham, the Burras had the least number of goals scored against them throughout the season.
WFNL FiNaLs
BY ABBY WALTER inyip-Murtoa could be looking to go back-to-back with a second premiership since the clubs merged more than 25 years ago. After a premiership in 2019 and finishing in eighth position in 2021, the Burras’ new-look side has gelled this season to give themselves the op portunity to play finals.
Petering is this year’s A Grade coach and said finals were a chance to start fresh.
Coach:roadMinyip-Murtoa’stothefinalsSheridanPetering
“We have quite tall and agile defenders who will snatch in any rebounds and intercepts,” Petering said.
Sheridan Petering and Molly Fagan are the two players remaining in the side from the grand final three years ago, and premier ship coach Billie Bibby has also played five games this year. With the exception of one game, the Burras have been evenly matched with the other top-five teams all season, with margins of 11 goals or less between them.
Total: Won: 6. Lost: 8. For: 540. Against: 565. Points: 24. Percentage: 95.58.
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Fighting chance
Page 39Wednesday, August 24, 2022 www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
Toet said the versatility of players and commitment from all to the game could be what makes the difference for the Roos in this finals series.
“We know finals are a different story,” she said. “We have been working on self-belief on and off the court and belief in the others in the team, so if we can build on that and capture it each time we play, we can win.
BY ABBY WALTER
Players
Southern Mallee Giants have been the only top-five team to beat Dim boola on two occasions this year, with the first loss margin being one goal.
Paige Glover Always
“The vibe we get around the whole club is electric. Being successful attracts people to clubs,” she said.
“When these players are focused and ontask, they have proven they can produce the goods – they are quality players who can take it with the best.”
ore than 50 years since Dimboola last won an A Grade flag, the Roos have scrapped into finals by the skin of their teeth to give themselves a chance in 2022. After finishing third in 2021 and missing only one finals campaign since 2014, but not making it to the major game, this team might just be the one that breaks a very longLeavingdrought.the assurance of a finals berth to the last moment, Dimboola added its final four points to the ladder in round 18 with a two-goal win against Warrack Eagles. Without being the team to come clos est to beating Horsham in round 12, when the final score was a draw, the Roos would have missed out on the top five by percentage. A Grade coach Ant Toet said starting the season with several unknowns meant making the finals was more exciting.
roadDimboola’stothefinalsCoach:AntToet
Toet said Dimboola cherished the op portunity to play finals, with a 39-year gap between making the 2014 finals and the pre vious time the Roos were in the five.
* Highest
Total:
Round 1: L. 37 lost to Southern Mallee Giants 38. Away. Round 2: L. 33 lost to Minyip-Murtoa 43. Home. Round 3: L. 26 lost to Horsham 59. Away.** Round 4: W. 49 d Ararat 40. Away. Round 5: W. 47 d Stawell 44. Home. Round 6: v Nhill, no game. Round 7: W. 54 d Horsham Saints 46. Home.* Round 8: Bye. Round 9: L. 33 lost to Warrack Eagles 56. Away. Round 10: L. 39 lost to Southern Mallee Giants 55. Home. Round 11: W. 40 d Minyip-Murtoa 30. Away. Round 12: D. 43 drew with Horsham 43. Home. Round 13: W. 42 d Ararat 41. Home. Round 14: L. 31 lost to Stawell 35. Away. Round 15: v Nhill, no game. Round 16: L. 49 lost to Horsham Saints 58. Away. Round 17: Bye. Round 18: W. 37 d Warrack Eagles 35. Home. score ** Lowest score Won: 6. Lost: 7. Draw: 1. For: 560. Against: 623. Points: 26. Percentage: 89.89.
Hannah Dubois to watch Ash Morrish Has seamlessly found her place among the Roos during her first season. The wing attack and shooter feeds the ball well into the ring and can be slotted into a variety of positions when needed. one who will fight for possession and works hard for any opportunity to intercept. The wing de fence and centre player can dictate the flow of play.
“The team are working together well and now have the reward of playing finals, which we don’t take for granted.”
“At the start of the season we had five departures from last year’s team, so that was an unknown, as was how the A Grade competition would pan out with so many new-look teams,” she said. “But this is what we have been building towards. “With the effects of COVID and injuries, our team has been a work in progress, so to have made the finals is awesome.”
“When you get this far, you do the hard work for the club and the people who help get you on the court each week for many seasons.
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“On their day, any team in the top five can chal lenge each other, so it’ll be pretty exciting and that’s the way you want it,” he said.
A Grade coach Anthony Schache said the team had been slightly ‘up and down’ throughout the “We’ve been a bit inconsistent,” he said.
Schache said to progress through the finals, each team across the draw would have to put its best foot forward each week.
“We have a really good group of more experi enced players as well, who are certainly leading the way and showing the younger players the right way to train and good professionalism,” Schache said.“Going into finals is always a bit different, so we’ll aim to be as well prepared as we can.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing how our players stand up during finals.”
An energetic defender with a keen eye for inter cepts and rebounds. Still eligible for junior netball, she has improved immensely this season. Jodie Hayes
The Giants’ unit includes junior-aged players Abby White and Mackenzie Bellinger, who have improved continuously throughout the season, through to experienced Hatcher Medallist Jodie Hayes.
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“We’ll do our homework on other teams, train re ally well and make sure we train under pressure as much as we can.
“We want to go in with the attitude to enjoy the challenge, taking the game on, taking a risk and backing each other up.”
Southern Mallee Giants’ road to the finals
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“We’ve strung some good games together and played some pretty poor games, but we’ve given ourselves the opportunity now, so that’s really Schache plans to have a squad of 10 players
Coach: Anthony Schache
The 2021 Hatcher Medallist, Hayes is again an in tegral player in the squad. Through the centre she is a quick player who works hard for each posses sion. A tough opposition for any team.
“We’re a pretty even team of good, quality net ballers – from our defenders to the goalies and in “We certainly have a good strong squad that will hopefully stand up come any injuries or COVID, which are still big unknowns. “Hopefully the squad of 10 should hold us in good stead going into finals.”
Round 1: W. 38 d Dimboola 37. Home. Round 2: W. 52 d Warrack Eagles 29. Away. Round 3: Bye. Round 4: L. 36 lost to Minyip-Murtoa 47. Home.** Round 5: L. 37 lost to Horsham 56. Away. Round 6: W. 63 d Ararat 39. Home.* Round 7: D. 56 drew with Stawell 56. Away. Round 8: v Nhill, no game. Round 9: L. 48 lost to Horsham Saints 58. Home. Round 10: W. 55 d Dimboola 39. Away. Round 11: W. 47 d Warrack Eagles 44. Home. Round 12: Bye. Round 13: W. 47 d Minyip-Murtoa 42. Away. Round 14: L. 38 lost to Horsham 43. Home. Round 15: L. 49 lost to Ararat 52. Away. Round 16: W. 57 d Stawell 42. Home. Round 17: v Nhill, no game. Round 18: L. 49 list to Horsham Saints 63. Away. * Highest score ** Lowest score Total: Won: 7. Lost: 6. Draw: 1. For: 672. Against: 647. Points: 30. Percentage: 103.86.
BY ABBY WALTER outhern Mallee Giants have a shot at their first A Grade netball grand final appearance since joining Wimmera league in 2018. In the pre-season, the Giants did not set out with the goal to win, but simply to play the best net ball possible. This approach has seen them finish third with seven wins on the board.
In good stead
The Giants’ losing margins ranged from three goals to 19 goals, while their winning margins against other top-five teams ranged from one to 16 goals. They also drew with Stawell in round seven.
ThomsonSteph Players to watch Abby White
and
to
No
The Saints won and lost eight games by 10 goals or less, however, they are also the team that lost to Horsham by the biggest margin all season – by 41 points.
Page 41Wednesday, August 24, 2022 www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
Against: 707. Points: 40. Percentage: 104.67. Stepping up
defenders. Larnie
WFNL FiNaLs HorshamSaints Proudly brought to you by: Recognising and thanking all club sponsors for 2022 Good luck to all Horsham Saints football and netball teams in the 2022 finals series HORSHAM SAINTS FOOTBALL & NETBALL CLUB Gold Sponsors • AXIS Employment • The Vic Hotel • Mixx FM/3WM • Betta Home Living • Promotional Products & Uniforms • Wastebusters • Norton Motor Group/ Isuzu Ute • DSM Equipment • Intersport Horsham • Laser Plumbing & Electrical Silver Sponsors • Horsham Doors & Glass • Buildpro • Cabinets & Stone • Wimmera Meat Market • Ballinger Construction • David & Andrea Cox Bronze Sponsors • Latus Jewellers • CBS Financial • Bank Of Melbourne • Accounting HQ • Western General Insurance • Watts Price Accountants • Choices Flooring by Westside • Wimmera Glass Works • Robertsons Furniture • Imelda Shoes • AJ Vincent Transport • Wade’s • ALK Property Maintenance • Timms Construction • Horsham Dairy • Wimmera Party Ice • Wimmera Design & Print • Horsham Amcal • Green Taylor Partners • SKB Building Contractors • HK Diesel Match Day Award Providers • Conways • Mink Hair • Lili Vogue • Dominos • Goodyear Autocare • Maxi-Freight • Hotbox Kebabs • The One Cleaning Service • Middendorp Electrical • SASSI • McDonalds • BJ & AN Kennedy Bricklayers • Mick Harrison Signs • Horsham Auto Electrical • Forty Winks Horsham • Lanes & Games • Wendys • Menco Grant Providers • Horsham Sports & Community Club • Horsham Rural City Council • Traffic Accident Commission • Vichealth ~ StrengthLoyaltythrough~
The Saints have not lost a game since round 11 and have only lost to Horsham, Ararat and Dimboola during the course of the season.
Rory Doran Players to watch Jorja Clode Clode has stepped up from her role in the Saints’ 17-and-under team to make a name for herself in the A Grade side. A consistent shooter, she is a courageous player who will challenge Hobbs stranger to Hobbs continues to be a strong defender. determination ability go a standout.
Her
BY ABBY WALTER Horsham Saints have defied the odds this season, finish ing in the top two despite losing key players to season-ending inju ries throughout the year.
Home. Round 17: W. 48 d Warrack Eagles 28. Away. Round 18: W. 63 d Southern Mallee Giants 49. Home. * Highest score ** Lowest score Total: Won: 10. Lost: 4.
for intercepts and rebounds is
A settled Saints side will be effective in finals and the players who have finals experience will be an asset for the junior players to learn from as they have had to find their feet in a team in the middle of the season. Cannane said the close competition to get to test the waters ahead of the qualifying final. L. 46 lost to Dimboola 54. Away. Round 8: W. 51 d Warrack Eagles 49. Home. Round 9: W. 58 d Southern Mallee Giants 48. Away. Round 10: W. 59 d Minyip-Murtoa 49. Home. Round 11: L. 39 lost to Horsham 80. Home. Round 12: W. 54 d Ararat 52. Away. Round 13: W. 67 d Stawell 50. Home. Round 14: v Nhill, no game. Round 15: Bye. Round 16: W. 58 d Dimboola 49. For: 740.
finals,
Horsham Saints’ road to the finals Coach: Jess Cannane Round 1: W. 45 d Minyip-Murtoa 38. Away. Round 2: L. 36 lost to Horsham 54. Away. ** Round 3: L. 46 lost to Ararat 48. Home. Round 4: W. 70 d Stawell 59. Away.* Round 5: v Nhill, no game Round 6: Bye. Round 7:
A Grade coach Jess Cannane credits the success of the team to every player, including juniors, stepping up to the plate.
“The finals have crept up on us. It’s been quite a season for our team,” she said. “We had two players injure their anterior cru ciate ligament, which ended their season; but on the other side of that, there have been op portunities for some of our juniors to step up.
“We’ve had four juniors come through our ranks, with Rory Doran and Jorja Clode two who have really found their place. “It’s exciting for our future and although they are still building their confidence, we all know what they are capable of.”
The line-up for the side this season looked young, with ‘veteran’ players – who have played five or more seasons in seniors – being in their The Demons have been noticed for their speed and agility on the court, as they capitalise on opportunities to score as their opponents often seem to be chasing the Demons’ heels.
“Overall, I am happy with how the girls are going on the court.”
“Each week is a different week and the season has shown that, as teams I thought would beat other teams haven’t and teams I thought would lose haven’t, so it certainly shows the intensity of the teams this year,” she said. “We’re looking forward to finals and seeing where it takes us – it’s going to be a great finals series.” 56 d Minyip-Murtoa 31. Away. Round 7: Bye. Round 8: W. 40 d Ararat 24. Home. Round 9: W 64 d Stawell 52. Away. Round 10: v Nhill, no game. Round 11: W. 80 d Horsham Saints 39. Away.* Round 12: D. 43 drew with Dimboola 43. Away. Round 13: W: 45 d Warrack Eagles 17. Home. Round 14: W: 43 d Southern Mallee Giants 38. Away. Round 15: W: 37 d Minyip-Murtoa
“I’m never one that says it’s just another game because it isn’t, it’s cutthroat – you can lose and be out and that’s the end of the season,” she said. “Finals bring a different intensity. That’s something that we have talked about quite a bit and hopefully the girls will be focussed and right to go.”
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“We have been a bit flat the past couple of weeks and I think it’s due to the fact this is the first time in three years that we’ve put in a full season,” she said. “We’ve had a good season; we have ended up undefeated, but we’ve had our ups and downs.
Heir said finals were a whole different ball game.
Heir said the season proved there were many teams with players who have a lot of ability.
26. Home.** Round 16: Bye. Round 17: W. 58 d Ararat 45. Away. Round 18: W. 66 d Stawell 50. Home. * Highest score ** Lowest score Total: Won: 13. Lost: 0. Draw: 1. For: 758. Against: 484. Points: 54. Percentage: 156.61. Players to watch The team to beat MillerRomi Grace Manserra Versatile and agile, Manserra can be in any position and not be out of her depth. Mainly playing a de fensive midcourt role this year, she makes it difficult for teams to get the ball into the ring. Imogen Worthy One of the youngest shooters in the 2022 compe tition, Worthy is one player whose accuracy and ability in the goal ring will be hard to beat. WFNL FiNaLsDemonsHorsham Proudly brought to you by: Give Jordy and the team a call on 0418 869 919 DOMESTIC • COMMERCIAL Servicing the readership area ELECTRICAL Best of luck to all Horsham netballfootballDemonsandteamsin the 2022 finals series Go Dees!
roadHorsham’stothefinalsCoach:TiffanyHeir Round 1: v Nhill, no game. Round 2: W. 54 d Horsham Saints 36. Home. Round 3: W. 59 d Dimboola 26. Home. Round 4: W. 57 d Warrack Eagles 20. Away. Round 5: W. 56 d Southern Mallee Giants 37. Home. Round 6: W.
A Grade coach Tiffany Heir said the team was ‘extreme ly’ fit and had been training “The players all want to be there and I think that is the most im portant thing that I have recognised – they are all happy playing with each oth er,” she said.
Heir said despite the scoreboard portraying a perfect season, the team had had its challenges.
“They love playing for their club and I Horsham has finished the season three games ahead of second-placed Horsham Saints. Throughout the year, Horsham points against is 80 goals less than any of their rivals, suggesting their defensive line-up of Georgia Hiscock and Jedda Heard will be game changers throughout finals.
BY ABBY WALTER orsham A Grade is in fine form head ing into the 2022 finals series, finish ing the season undefeated and heading straight into the second semi-final. With five premierships in the past 10 years and six grand final appearances, the Demons are well experienced with success in the top grade
