Nhill’s road to the finals
Coach: Jake McQueen
Tigers back in WFNL FiNaLs
Round 1: L. 7.10 (52) to Minyip-Murtoa 12.11 (83). Away.
Round 2: W. 14.15 (99) d Dimboola 8.4 (52). Home.
Round 3: Bye.
Round 4: L. 9.8 (62) to Stawell 12.11 (83). Away.
Round 5: L. 10.10 (70) to Horsham 11.14 (80). Home.
Round 6: W. 16.8 (104) d Warrack Eagles 11.6 (72). Away.
Round 7: L. 7.10 (52) to Southern Mallee Thunder 14.13 (97). Home.
Round 8: L. 7.6 (48) d Ararat 17.13 (115). Away.
Round 9: W. 15.17 (107) d Horsham Saints 8.15 (63). Home.
Round 10: W. 15.12 (102) d Minyip-Murtoa 11.9 (75). Home.
Round 11: W. 19.15 (129) d Dimboola 4.3 (27). Away.*
Round 12: Bye.
Round 13: W. 6.8 (44) d Stawell 4.8 (32). Home.**
Round 14: L.11.5 (71) to Horsham 16.9 (105). Away. Round 15: W. 17.18 (120) d Warrack Eagles 8.7 (13). Home.
Round 16: L. 8.5 (53) to Southern Mallee Thun der 14.17 (101). Away.
Round 17: 10.10 (70) drew with Ararat 9.16 (70). Home.
Round 18: W. 18.15 (123) d Horsham Saints 10.13 (73). Away.
*Highest score. ** Lowest score.
Total: Won: 8. Lost: 7. D. 1. For: 1306. Against: 1183. Points: 34. Percentage: 110.40.
Leading goal-kickers
Drew Schneider 29, Jake McQueen 26, Dylan Ridding 24, Xavier Bone 21, Daniel Batson 19.
BY LAUREN HENRY
hill senior coach Jake McQueen and many of his team mates would have been in primary school the last time the Tigers played senior finals in the Wimmera league.
Excitement is building at Nhill with the senior side about to play its first finals after a 14-year hiatus.
The Tigers sealed a finals spot when they drew with Ararat in the second last round of the home-and-away season – but there was a downside to that match, losing Lucas Dahlenburg for the season after he suffered a serious facial injury.
“There’d be only a handful of us that’s probably played finals before, so it’s exciting,” McQueen said.
“When we first sat down with the club, we said that we wanted to try and make finals this year.
“We didn’t want to put any pressure on anyone but, as a coaching group, we felt like we could make finals.
“We’ve ticked that off and we’ve found some form in the second half the year, so we feel like we’ve got every chance of going deep into finals now.
“We’ll give it a crack and hopefully we can.”
While not many Nhill players have senior finals experience, they come up against a relatively inexperienced Horsham Demons on Sunday at Stawell’s Central Park.
The two sides are on a pretty even playing field – the Demons with a psychological advantage after beating Nhill twice this
But the Tigers can draw on plenty of positives in season 2024 –particularly the second half of the year – where, after a heavy loss to Ararat in round eight, they went on to win four games in row, beating Horsham Saints, Minyip-Murtoa, Dimboola and Stawell. It was that 67-point drubbing by the reigning premiers that was pivotal in the Tigers’ season.
WFNL FiNaLs
the spotlight
“I think that was a turning point for us as a group,” McQueen said.
“We, as a coaching group, thought we just needed to knuckle down. We felt like we had a good six or seven weeks ahead of us that we knew we could find some form.
“We sat down and worked out what we needed to improve on and worked on that at training and that was definitely a pivotal moment in our season.”
McQueen, in his first season coaching, has had plenty of challenges this season – learning to juggle coaching while playing, as well as dealing with a bunch midseason.
“Halfway through the year, I reckon there was probably about five, six or seven blokes who were out injured, so it’s nice get ting them back now,” he said.
One of those players Nhill will welcome back is Matt Kennedy.
“He’s been really good down back for us this year and he’s had the last couple of weeks off, but he’ll be right to come in for finals,” McQueen said.
McQueen has been a welcomed return to the Wimmera league, and along with Liam Albrecht and Darcy Honeyman, have fea tured heavily in the Tigers’ best.
“Jarryd Dahlenburg has had a cracker year. He’s just improving every week, and then we’ve got a couple of young fellas – Con nor Jones, he’s been in and out of the side, but he’s been really good the last few weeks, which I’ve been quite impressed with,” McQueen said.
While focused on his side making it past week one of finals, McQueen tipped if his side were going to make the grand final, it would be against ladder leaders Southern Mallee Thunder.
“They’ve definitely been the hardest team for us both times we’ve played them, so it would be nice to go up against them again,” he said.
Players to watch
Jake McQueen
A favourite son who returned home to take the helm this season, McQueen has led from the front and guided his side into finals for the first time in a number of years. Lightly built, he inspires his teammates with his courage and skill, and will be one to watch if Nhill gets on a roll.
Dylan Ridding
Ridding joined the club from the Adelaide Football League this season. The key forward oozes class and is extremely dangerous, whether the ball is in the air or on the ground. He will need to kick a bag of goals if Nhill is to win finals games.
Daniel Batson
Veteran Batson came back to the club after a stint at Jeparit-Rainbow. The man mountain has had a great season in the ruck and also hits the scoreboard when forward. If his form in the stoppages continues, the Nhill midfielders will have plenty of opportunities to send the ball into the attacking zone.
Deek Roberts
Roberts joined the club mid season. The former Horsham premiership coach will be leaned on heavily to provide leadership to the young playing group that is bereft of finals experience. Deadly on both sides of his body, Nhill relies on him to transition the ball from midfield to forward line with precision.
Coach: Jordyn Burke
Demons find WFNL FiNaLs
Round 1: L. 11.4 (70) to Ararat 14.15 (99). Away.
Round 2: W. 10.15 (75) d Horsham Saints 8.6 (54). Home.
Round 3: L. 8.10 (58) to Minyip-Murtoa 10.14 (74). Away.
Round 4: L. 11.13 (79) to Dimboola 13.6 (84). Home.
Round 5: W. 11.14 (80) d Nhill 10.10 (70). Away.
Round 6: W. 9.19 (73) d Stawell 6.8 (44). Home. Round 7: Bye.
Round 8: W. 19.15 (129) d Warrack Eagles 10.11 (71). Away.
Round 9: L. 9.12 (66) d Southern Mallee Thunder 12.15 (87). Home.
Round 10: W. 11.13 (79) d Ararat 10.17 (77). Home.
Round 11: W. 13.12 (90) d Horsham Saints 6.12 (48). Away.
Round 12: L. 8.13 (61) to Minyip-Murtoa 16.10 (106). Home.
Round 13: W. 16.12 (108) d Dimboola 3.9 (27). Away.
Round 14: W. 16.9 (105) d Nhill 11.5 (71). Home.
Round 15: L. 10.5 (65) to Stawell 15.10 (100). Away.
Round 16: Bye.
Round 17: W. 19.18 (132) d Warrack Eagles 5.7 (37). Home.*
Round 18: L. 5.11 (41) to Southern Mallee Thunder 15.17 (107). Away.**
*Highest score. ** Lowest score.
Total: Won: 9. Lost: 7. For: 1311. Against: 1156. Points: 36. Percentage: 113.41.
Leading goal-kickers
Ryan Kemp 43, Jordon Motton 35, Matt Long 19, Hugo Papst 17, Jasper Gunn 12.
BY LAUREN HENRY
orsham Demons are hoping its improved form in the second half of season 2024 can carry into Wimmera league senior football finals.
The Demons’ topsy-turvy season has featured unexpected wins, against the likes of Stawell and Ararat, and included losses against teams they probably should have beaten, such as Dimboola.
But senior coach Jordyn Burke said the Demons biggest challenge this season was finding their best football with a team mix of new players and juniors progressing to senior footy.
“We’ve found a groove a little bit more and had some nice wins in there, but, our form has been fairly solid with some big wins, but we’ve also a tough loss or two – and ones that we’ve learnt
“And that’s the biggest thing I used to keep telling my boys –you’re not going to win them all, but I think as long as you learn from them, and are fixing those issues, you turn them into a good
Burke said looking back at the home-and-away season, with new additions to the side, it was ‘always going to take time to
“We’ve been inconsistent with results but overall with the effort, it’s been really consistent and that’s something that I’m super proud of – the boys the way they’re training week in, week out, and the way they’re presenting every game.
“We’ve had a couple of losses here and there, but that’s going to happen with young groups, so you’ve just got to keep perspective too – we’ve got a lot of young guys that are still developing.
“We’ve given ourselves now a chance to play some finals, which at the start of the year I would have taken that for
Burke said the 29-point win against Stawell in round six at Horsham City Oval stood out as important game to the Demons.
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WFNL FiNaLs
their groove
“We’d had a couple of losses against some really good sides and just to get over that hump a little bit with the Stawell win was nice,” he said.
“Even Nhill, at Nhill, was a really good win by 10 points. They’re a really good side.
“And then the obvious one is Ararat, which just gives a little bit of belief for the boys, too.”
Burke said there had been plenty of positives to take out of the season – with highlights the form of their midfield led by Tyler Blake, Brody Pope and Ben Janetzki, forward Hugo Papst, recruit Ryan Kemp and ruckman Billy Carberry.
“Jack Dalziel at centre-half-back has really, really stepped up, which has been huge for us, which is great,” he said.
“The group of young boys who have come through out of juniors, they’ve all just kept stepping up every week. It’s been fantastic.
“Their second half of the year, you can see they’re really start ing to gain confidence.
“It’s a learning curve as you’re doing it every game, and each game now you can see, it’s really good to watch – overall that’s why I took the job on, for those young boys, but the rest of the result has been an added bonus.”
Burke said the Demons would focus week-by-week in the finals as they have done all year.
“It’s a tricky spot because everyone knows you’re going to be playing finals ... but it’s making sure that we know exactly what our challenge is,” he said.
“I think every year and any time I’ve ever approached finals is literally one week at a time because for us it’s going to be do or die.”
Horsham will play Nhill in an elimination final at Central Park, Stawell, on Sunday.
Players to watch
Ryan Kemp
Kemp returned to the Demons this year after VFL and WAFL stints during the past five years. He is an extremely smart forward who loves to push up the ground to give options and has been hitting his straps in front of goal in the past month.
A new recruit for the Demons this season, Papst is extremely versatile and the ‘Mister Fix-it’ of the side. He started the season in the defensive 50 before becoming a hard-working midfielder – the further the season has gone the more dangerous he has
Brody Pope
Pope accumulates possession at will around the stoppages. His kicking can let him down at times, but his ability to win the hard football is second to none. He rarely plays a bad game and Horsham will need that to continue if they are to progress in the finals.
Billy Carberry
Carberry plays as an undersized ruckman but uses his body superbly to get the ball to the advantage of his small men around his feet. Carberry has the ability to play forward or back if required and can take pack marks and kick long goals.
Hugo Papst
Billy Carberry
Stawell Warriors
Stawell’s road to the finals
Coach: Tom Eckel
Warriors fulfill WFNL FiNaLs
Round 1: W. 14.18 (102) d Horsham Saints 8.10 (58). Away.
Round 2: W. 15.15 (105) d Minyip-Murtoa 2.7 (19). Home.
Round 3: W. 12.10 (82) d Dimboola 11.11 (77). Away.
Round 4: W. 12.11 (83) d Nhill 9.8 (62). Home.
Round 5: Bye.
Round 6: L. 6.8 (44) to Horsham 9.19 (73). Away.
Round 7: W. 14.18 (102) d Warrack Eagles 4.6 (30). Home.
Round 8: L. 4.10 (34) to Southern Mallee Thunder 7.15 (57). Away.
Round 9: W. 10.17 (77) d Ararat 8.15 (63). Home.
Round 10: W. 9.14 (68) d Horsham Saints 10.4 (64). Home.
Round 11: W. 10.7 (67) d Minyip-Murtoa 7.15 (57). Away.
Round 12: W. 13.15 (93) d Dimboola 5.8 (38). Home.
Round 13: L. 4.8 (32) to Nhill 6.8 (44). Away.** Round 14: Bye.
Round 15: W. 15.10 (100) d Horsham 10.5 (65). Home.
Round 16: W. 24.12 (156) d Warrack Eagles 7.5 (47). Away.*
Round 17: L. 7.3 (45) to Southern Mallee Thunder 15.16 (106). Home.
Round 18: L. 10.10 (70) to Ararat 15.15 (105). Away.
*Highest score. ** Lowest score.
Total: Won: 11. Lost: 5. For: 1260. Against: 965. Points: 44. Percentage: 130.57.
Leading goal-kickers
Cody Driscoll 54, Ash Driscoll 23, Jack Walker 11, James Sullivan 11, Tom Eckel 10.
BY LAUREN HENRY
ast your mind back to April – a Good Friday win over reigning premiers Ararat was the catalyst for a five-game winning streak for Stawell.
The greatest start in years for the Warriors, capped off by the club’s 150th year celebrations, and suddenly everyone was talking about Stawell breaking its 24-year premiership drought. It was a dream start for Stawell senior coach Tom Eckel, who will step down as Warriors coach at the end of 2024.
Finishing in the top three was always the Warriors’ aim in 2024, and they have consistently maintained that position along with Southern Mallee Thunder and Ararat all season.
Eckel said with a top three finish now achieved, Stawell was aiming for a grand final berth.
“That’s our goal – to get there. It’s been bloody too long for our footy club to make one,” he said.
“The goal is to work hard, to try and reach the grand final and then anything can happen from there.”
Eckel said Stawell’s season had panned out well – with highlights the wins against Ararat on Good Friday, MinyipMurtoa in front of a huge crowd for the club’s 150th anniversary, and then a five-point win over Dimboola when fielding an undermanned side, which instilled a lot of belief into the players.
“We started off really well and we didn’t really buy into some people getting a bit excited about what the possibility is after about three weeks in,” he said.
“We knew that during the middle part of the year we were going to have some guys missing, away on holidays and honeymoons, so we knew it was going to be a tough stretch.
“We actually pushed through that pretty well, dropped a couple of games, which we probably didn’t want to, but that’s just the season this year. It’s really even and anyone can really win it in the top five.”
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Health choices can be like that.
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What’s Chiropractic got to do with football?
When there is pain, some people just take medication or wait for it to go away. That’s like playing only defence. It’s a low scoring game.
Chiropractic is designed to move the vertebrate and get the nervous system responding to all states of play.
Chiropractic keeps you moving so the rest of your body can work better.
Tom Eckel
Players to watch WFNL FiNaLs Stawell
top three target
Eckel, the reigning Toohey medallist, has again been a standout for the Warriors, featuring in the best in 11 of Stawell’s 16 games this season, but he’s also had quality players in Josh Fowkes and full forward Cody Driscoll, who finished runner-up in the league goal-kicking on 54 goals for the home and away season, in support.
Reliable Warriors Jackson Dark and Sean Mantell have also had consistent seasons.
But after dropping the past two games to Southern Mallee Thunder and Ararat, Eckel is hoping his side can get back in form for finals – starting with rectifying two poor starts in the past fortnight.
The Warriors will play in a qualifying final against Ararat – for the second week in a row.
Prior to Saturday’s 35-point loss, it had been four months since the Warriors had played Ararat due to the round nine match being played on Good Friday.
“It was good to play them last week because now we know what we are up against – it has been such a long time and the teams have changed a fair bit and momentum swings during the season,” Eckel said.
If the Warriors can win on Saturday, they will progress through to a second semifinal against Southern Mallee Thunder – who Eckel sees as their toughest opponent for the flag.
“They’re just all men across all lines – they’ve got no boys playing for them,” he said.
“Ararat has done a great job considering how many injuries they’ve had all year –they just keep winning, but at the moment, in my opinion, the team to beat will be Southern Mallee.”
Tom Eckel
Eckel is a reigning Toohey Medallist who has an insatiable appetite for the football. He runs hard all day and rarely plays a bad game. He often provides inspirational moments for his team-mates. If Stawell is going to go deep into the finals series, Eckel will need to be at his brilliant best.
Josh Fowkes
Joining the Warriors from Navarre this season, the blonde ruckman has impressed. He is good in the air and when the ball hits the ground, he has become another midfielder. He is extremely versatile and can play in other key positions if required.
Sean Mantell
A tough, in-and-under player, Mantell rarely loses his feet and is a good user of the football. He has had his most consistent year for a number of seasons. He enjoys the game tough and physical, so expect him to relish the finals stage.
Mitch Taylor
The cool-as-a-cucumber defender gives plenty of run from the back half. New to the club this season, Taylor has made an immediate impact with his ability to read the ball and use it effectively when in possession. Coming down from Darwin, he has only played seven games this season but is a key to the Warriors’ success.
Back-to-back WFNL FiNaLs
Coaches: Tom Mills and Tom Williamson
Round 1: W. 14.15 (99) d Horsham 11.4 (70). Home.
Round 2: W. 28.24 (192) d Warrack Eagles 5.5 (35). Away.
Round 3: W. 14.9 (93) d Southern Mallee Thunder 12.6 (78). Home.
Round 4: Bye.
Round 5: W. 23.17 (155) d Horsham Saints 7.8 (50). Away.
Round 6: W. 11.15 (81) d Minyip-Murtoa 9.9 (63). Home.
Round 7: W. 16.14 (110) d Dimboola 10.9 (69). Away.
Round 8: W. 17.13 (115) d Nhill 7.6 (48). Home.
Round 9: L. 8.15 (63) to Stawell 10.17 (77). Away.
Round 10: L. 10.17 (77) to Horsham 11.13 (79). Away.
Round 11: W. 24.16 (160) d Warrack Eagles 6.3 (39). Home.
Round 12: W. 16.6 (102) d Southern Mallee Thunder 8.7 (55). Away.
Round 13: Bye.
Round 14: W. 6.14 (50) d Horsham Saints 3.9 (27). Home.
Round 15: W. 19.16 (130) d Minyip-Murtoa 10.3 (63). Away.
Round 16: W. 23.17 (155) d Dimboola 5.5 (35). Home. Round 17: 9.16 (70) drew with Nhill 10.10 (70). Away.
Round 18: W. 15.15 (105) d Stawell 10.10 (70). Home.
*Highest score. ** Lowest score.
Total: Won: 13. Lost: 2. For: 1757. Against: 928. Points: 54. Percentage: 189.33.
Leading goal-kickers
Tom Williamson 57, Jack Ganley 29, Tom Mills 27.
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BY LAUREN HENRY
rarat has made no secret of its goal to win back-toback Wimmera league premierships.
After winning its first flag in 22 years, the Rats are keen to continue tasting success.
But the competition has evened up this season, and unlike last year, Ararat has lost home-and-away games – to Stawell and Horsham – then drew with Nhill late in the season.
Ararat co-coach Tom Mills said winning the flag again this season was ‘definitely the goal’.
“We identified pretty early that our team is not a whole lot different to last year, and then getting Ben Taylor a few games in, that helped a lot,” he said.
Mills listed Stawell, Southern Mallee Thunder, and Horsham as the Rats’ top challengers in the finals race.
“I think we’re going to have to be on our game every week if we want to win it. I don’t think out of the four other teams, anyone’s really a standout,” he said.
The Rats have been hit hard by injuries in 2024, prompting Mills and co-coach Tom Williamson to select unexpected debutants.
“Realistically, when you look at our wins and losses, our season has been pretty good,” Mills said.
“We’ve had probably five or six blokes play their first games, who we didn’t think were going to play seniors, but it turned out to be a good thing – to give them some experience – and we’re not relying on the same people all the time. That’s been a positive out of a negative.”
Most games, the Rats field a team brimming with footballers who are one-point players under the player point system, which means they have progressed through the junior ranks of Ararat and stayed at their home club.
WFNL FiNaLs Ararat Rats
the Rats’ goal
“It’s been like that for the past couple of years, so it’s just to maintain it – it’s been really good for us,” Mills said.
“It’s pleasing to see young kids come in and do their job and get some experience.
“That loss to Horsham sort of smartened us up a bit too.”
Mills and Williamson are among those ‘one-pointers’ despite their extensive football experience at AFL and VFL level.
The pair have grown up at Ararat and returned home to play in last year’s premiership, then take on the role of senior coaches –which they have signed on to continue next season.
“It’s going well, it’s a lot easier when you’ve known a lot of these people for a long time, so your relationship is pretty rock solid,” Mills said.
Williamson has continued on with his good form from last season to lead the league’s goal kicking, while also playing a key midfielder role.
Ruckman Cody Lindsay has excelled in the ruck and while he’s missed the last three games due to an ankle injury, Mills expects him to return for finals.
Other important pieces in the Rats’ jigsaw puzzle are Jack Gangley, Ben Taylor and Baydn Cosgriff, and if they can perform well in finals, there is every chance Ararat will win back-to-back flags.
Mills said a particular game that stood out in the Rats’ season was the win over Southern Mallee Thunder in round three.
“I think we only had one player on the bench for the second half, and it was just a tough win,” he said.
“I think that sort of gave everyone a bit of a belief, once that happens, and it sets you up for the season when you play a good game like that.”
An unexpected two-point loss to Horsham in round 10 stopped a seven-game winning streak for Ararat, but could have been a blessing in disguise.
Players to watch
Tom Williamson
Arguably the best player in the competition, he has become more dangerous this year as he moves between midfield and forward. The first-year joint coach loves the big stage and will be pivotal to back-to-back flags for the Rats.
Cody Lindsay
Lindsay is a big ruckman who has missed a number of games coming into finals. He is possibly the most important player for Ararat and if he gets first hands to the football in the middle, Ararat will be
Mills is a key forward who has been another player hit by injury, but the former VFL footballer is dangerous in the front half. A beautiful mark and long kick, he will be primed in his first year as a joint coach to have a big impact on the finals.
Ben Taylor
Taylor started the season in Queensland before returning home to Ararat to become a vital part in the breathtaking midfield. He works extremely hard defensively and can break the lines and bring other players into the game with his
Tom Mills
Cody Lindsay
WFNL FiNaLs
Southern Mallee Thunder’s road to the finals
Coach: Kieran Delahunty
Round 1: W. 25.11 (161) d Warrack Eagles 5.2 (32). Home.*
Round 2: Bye.
Round 3: L. 12.6 (78) to Ararat 14.9 (93). Away.
Round 4: W. 9.14 (68) d Horsham Saints 3.9 (27). Home.
Round 5: W. 21.20 (146) d Minyip-Murtoa 6.10 (46). Away.
Round 6: W. 22.15 (147) d Dimboola 6.7 (43). Home.
Round 7: W. 14.13 (97) d Nhill 7.10 (52). Away.
Round 8: W. 7.15 (57) d Stawell 4.10 (34). Home.
Round 9: W. 12.15 (87) d Horsham 9.12 (66). Away.
Round 10: W. 18.12 (120) d Warrack Eagles 3.5 (23). Away.
Round 11: Bye.
Round 12: L. 8.7 (55) to Ararat 16.6 (102). Home.**
Round 13: W. 11.15 (81) d Horsham Saints 5.6 (39). Away.
Round 14: W. 9.13 (67) d Minyip-Murtoa 6.7 (43). Home.
Round 15: W. 23.10 (148) d Dimboola 6.10 (46). Away.
Round 16: W. 14.17 (101) d Nhill 8.5 (53). Home.
Round 17: W. 15.16 (106) d Stawell 7.3 (45). Away. Round 18: W. 15.17 (107) d Horsham 5.11 (41). Home.
*Highest score. ** Lowest score.
Total: Won: 14. Lost: 2. For: 1626. Against: 782. Points: 56. Percentage: 207.93.
Leading goal-kickers
Brad Lowe 31, Tom Clarke 29, Coleman Schache 20, Kieran Delahunty 17, Liam Nelson 17.
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BY LAUREN HENRY
Atop-of-the-table finish in the Wimmera league for a senior team in its first year as a merged club has been quite a feat for Southern Mallee Thunder.
But the journey is not over yet for the club in its inau-
A 14-2 win-loss record is an impressive result for the home-andaway season, but one team has stood in the Thunder’s way – the reigning premier, Ararat.
The Southern Mallee Giants, who merged with Horsham District league club Jeparit-Rainbow in the off-season to form the Thunder, lost last year’s grand final to Ararat.
But the Thunder is hoping this year is different.
With home games, training sessions and functions hosted across all their home grounds – Rainbow, Jeparit, Beulah and Hopetoun – the logistics alone have presented challenges that not a lot of
But coach Kieran Delahunty and his senior football leadership team have taken it all in their stride.
“It was good to bank wins early on, particularly when we were a new club coming together and still trying to find out where everyone plays their best footy, but overall it’s been a successful home-and-away season,” Delahunty said.
“As a club that’s come together, there’s a lot of new faces, a lot of new names, and there’s been a lot of change.
“But it’s been a success, and I think everyone’s enjoying their footy, and hopefully we can go deep into September.”
As well as the usual suspects such as Coleman Schache, Billy Lloyd, Liam Nelson, Jackson Fisher and Sam White, Delahunty said there had been several other players who were equally as
Southern Mallee Thunder FNC
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Carn the Thunder!
WFNL FiNaLs
the mark
“I think there’s also been some unsung heroes like Zach Rob bins who has played roles for us at both ends,” he said.
“There’s been a number of guys that have really stood up, but I think that probably the most satisfying thing is it’s been more of a complete team performance this year. We haven’t relied on one or two to win us a game.”
Delahunty said the Thunder would welcome back forward Brad Lowe, their leading goal-kicker this season with 31 goals, for finals after he had been missing since round 10 when he suffered a hamstring injury.
“Tommy Clark’s kicked quite a few goals as a small forward, and resting midfielders have kicked goals, as well as Jake Garvey, he’s been a bit more of a focal point, and even Peter Weir has come into the side and played his role, so there’s plenty of op tions,” he said.
“Obviously we’d prefer Brad to be playing, but the good thing is other guys get opportunities to showcase their talent.”
Delahunty, a three-time Toohey medallist who is in super form in the ruck for the Thunder, said his side had started to hit its straps in the past few weeks, playing consistent football leading into the finals series.
“All the other four teams have shown they can play really good footy and I think it’ll be a cracking final series, whoever we come up against,” he said.
“Obviously Ararat has beaten us twice this year and played some good footy.
“I think during patches in all the games – Stawell, Horsham and Nhill – they’ve certainly challenged us in different areas and different strengths they bring to the table.
“I think it’s going to be a pretty even final series.”
Southern Mallee Thunder will play against the winner of Ararat and Stawell in a second semi-final in week two of finals, at War racknabeal.
Go
Southern Mallee Thunder
Players to watch
Kieran Delahunty
A three-time Toohey Medallist, Delahunty has been in scintillating form leading into finals. He is extremely fit and can ruck all day. He often gives his on-ballers first use of the ball and is also dangerous around the goal front.
Billy Lloyd
Lloyd is the extractor who does a lot of heavy work in and under the contest. He is often feeding it out to his outside runners to set up attacking thrusts. Ball in hand, his foot skills are exquisite and rarely does he lower his colors.
Coleman Schache
A new role this year for the silky skilled left-footer, Schache moves between midfield and the forward half rather than the defensive half and has been hitting the scoreboard. He is extremely hard to match up on as he is good in the air and on the ground.
Liam Nelson
Nelson is a silky skilled midfielder who punishes the opposition with ball in hand, one of a plethora of midfielders who is willing to sacrifice his game for the betterment of the team but can become very dangerous offensively if not paid the respect he deserves.
Liam Nelson
Stawell’s road to the finals
Coach: Jemma Clarkson
Round 1: L. 39 to Horsham Saints 84. Away.
Round 2: W. 48 d Minyip-Murtoa 43. Home.
Round 3: L. 42 to Dimboola 47. Away.
Round 4: L. 38 to Nhill 50. Home.
Round 5: Bye.
Round 6: L. 43 to Horsham 78. Away.
Round 7: W. 52 d Warrack Eagles 34. Home.
Round 8: L. 43 to Southern Mallee Thunder 62. Away.
Round 9: W. 59 d Ararat 33. Home.
Round 10: L. 45 to Horsham Saints 54. Home.
Round 11: W. 58 d Minyip-Murtoa 48. Away.
Round 12: W. 54 d Dimboola 53. Home.
Round 13: L. 34 to Nhill 39. Away.**
Round 14: Bye.
Round 15: L. 38 to Horsham 60. Home.
Round 16: W. 44 d Warrack Eagles 35. Away.
Round 17: W. 51 d Southern Mallee Thunder 47. Hom
Round 18: W. 63 d Ararat 41. Away.*
* Highest score ** Lowest score
Total: Won: 8. Lost: 8. For: 751. Against: 808. Points: 32. Percentage: 92.95.
Players to watch
Ayva Mitchell
While still playing in Stawell’s 15 and under team, Mitchell has become a focal point in the goal circle. The young gun, who has shot 277 goals in A Grade this year, will be one to watch now and in the future.
Madi Taylor
Stawell’s utility who can play in the centre or wing attack, or in goals. The versatile netballer is hard at the ball in attack but also has a strong defensive game. Watch on as she puts in 100 per cent.
Positive outlook
BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
n her own words, Stawell A Grade netball coach Jemma Clarkson believes the Warriors have had an ‘up and down’ season, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Clarkson and the Warriors did not officially punch their finals ticket until they defeated Ararat at the weekend, but now the team is in, Clarkson cannot wait to get stuck in.
“I think the league has had a great season in that it’s been really close,” she said.
“We were pushing for finals, as were MinyipMurtoa and Southern Mallee Thunder.
“It was really great to see it come down to the wire – that’s how it should be, with people jostling for those finals positions until the very end.”
While acknowledging Horsham and Horsham Saints as two clear standout teams in this year’s competition, she said her side would push as deep into the finals as it could.
“To get to the grand final would be amazing, but to get through to the semi-finals or a prelim would be a real achievement for our team,” she said.
“We definitely have the strength to win those first few finals, and then from there, as they say, finals is anyone’s game and you never know what’s going to happen.”
Clarkson said she had enjoyed watching the development of Stawell’s younger players this season, as well as their growing camaraderie.
“We have Ayva Mitchell playing in our A Grade side and she’s only 15. She plays in our 15-and-under side as well and we really
wanted to encourage her netball and increase her court time as the season went on,” Clarkson said.
“She had probably one of the best games she’s had for the season in round 17 – she shot 36 goals and she’s really embraced her senior role.
“Introducing some of our juniors to the senior netball scene has been a real highlight, as well as the positivity on court from the girls.
“They’re very encouraging of each other, everyone is out there playing for the team, and that’s what we really strive for at Stawell – everyone is playing as a club and working together well.”
Along with the development of junior players like Mitchell, the Warriors have also enjoyed the return of Madi Taylor, who missed last season with university commitments.
“As the season has gone on she has shown huge improvement,” Clarkson said.
“We convinced her to pull the netball runners back on at the start of the season and every week she’s gotten better and better.
“Watch out for her in finals, because she’s ultracompetitive and loves to win.
“She’s got great hands and reads the ball beautifully.”
Lisa Considine will be another player for Stawell to rely on in the finals, anchoring the Warriors’ defensive end.
Stawell will play a home elimination final against Nhill on Sunday, with the Tigers having beaten the Warriors by 12 goals in their first encounter before a closer five-goal win in round 13.
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The next step
BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
Two years after Nhill and District Sporting Club was unable to field an A Grade netball team, the Tigers have unequivocally re-established themselves in the Wimmera Football Netball League.
It was a successful return to top-tier netball for Nhill last season, with the team reaching finals. Now the next step is to win one.
The Tigers will return to post-season action once again on the strength of a season that saw them finish with nine wins, six losses and a draw.
Had Nhill scored one more goal in its draw against Dimboola in round 11, the Tigers would have finished third and would be preparing for a qualifying final against two-time reigning premier Horsham Saints.
Instead, they will play a cut-throat elimination final against Stawell at Central Park.
The good news for Nhill supporters is that the Tigers have beaten the Warriors in each of their two encounters this season.
Round four saw Nhill post a 12-goal win, while a closer rematch in round 13 saw the Tigers prevail by five goals.
But Nhill A Grade coach Emma Hawker is under no illusions that earning a finals win will be simple for her side.
She said the team had been building towards the finals, and was ready to play its best netball in Sunday’s elimination final.
“We’ve worked hard all year to bring together the pieces we’ve been building, and it’s been rewarding to see that starting to pay off,” she said.
“The team is feeling confident and excited heading into the fi nals.”
Important for Nhill in the finals will be players such as co-captain and defensive anchor Larnie Hobbs, midcourter Ellen Bennett and Ruby James, who had a strong back half of the season to finish as Nhill’s leading goal scorer.
While Hawker acknowledged teams such as the Saints and minor premier Horsham deservedly entered the finals as premiership frontrunners, she believed her side was more than capable of challenging them if it played to its potential.
“The aim for every team coming into finals is to take away the premiership, and we are no different,” she said.
“It really comes down to who is putting their best foot forward and playing the best team game when it matters most.
“This season has seen an increase in competitiveness across the board, so we’re expecting a tough and exciting finals se ries.
“There are a few teams that have been strong all year, and they’ll definitely be challenging, but we’re focused on bringing our best and seeing where that takes us.”
Nhill’s road to the finals
Coach: Emma Hawker
W. 53 d Minyip-Murtoa 36. Away. L. 26 to Dimboola 44. Home.**
W. 50 d Stawell 38. Away. L. 30 to Horsham 74. Home. W. 46 d Warrack Eagles 36. Away. W. 46 d Southern Mallee Thunder 38. Home. W. 53 d Ararat 47. Away. L. 47 to Horsham Saints 59. Home. W. 58 d Minyip-Murtoa 45. Home. 49 drew with Dimboola 49. Away.
W. 39 d Stawell 34. Home. L. 37 to Horsham 55. Away. W. 63 d Warrack Eagles 34. Home. L. 49 to Southern Mallee Thunder 60. Away. W. 65 d Ararat 30. Home.* Horsham Saints 82. Away.
* Highest score ** Lowest score Won: 9. Lost: 6. D. 1. For: 756. Against: 761. Points: 38. Percentage: 99.34.
Players to watch
Playing in the centre, Bennett is not only a fierce competitor but brings stability to the Tigers with her on court leadership. A very handy pickup after crossing from Kaniva-Leeor United last year, Bennett will feature heavily in the finals
Ruby James
Ellen Bennett
campaign.
Ruby James Nhill’s go-to in the shooting circle, James is a naturally-gifted athlete and combines well with Claudia McRae in goal attack.
WFNL FiNaLs
Dimboola’s road to the finals
Coach: Ash Morrish
Round 1: Bye.
Round 2: W. 44 d Nhill 26. Away.
Round 3: W. 47 d Stawell 42. Home.
Round 4: L. 39 to Horsham 57. Away.
Round 5: W. 65 d Warrack Eagles 27. Home.*
Round 6: W. 55 d Southern Mallee Thunder 51. Away.
Round 7: W. 59 d Ararat 31. Home.
Round 8: L. 37 to Horsham Saints 70. Away.
Round 9: W. 54 d Minyip-Murtoa 42. Home.
Round 10: Bye.
Round 11: 49 drew with Nhill 49. Home.
Round 12: L. 53 to Stawell 54. Away.
Round 13: L. 34 to Horsham 43. Home.**
Round 14: W. 49 d Warrack Eagles 26. Away.
Round 15: L. 49 to Southern Mallee Thunder 60. Home.
Round 16: W. 57 d Ararat 47. Away.
Round 17: L. 46 to Horsham Saints 77. Home.
Round 18: W. 56 d Minyip-Murtoa 54. Away.
* Highest score ** Lowest score
Total: Won: 9. Lost: 6. D. 1. For: 793. Against: 756. Points: 38. Percentage: 104.89.
Players to watch
Nicole Polycarpou
With 407 goals to her name this season, Polycarpou is one of the top shooters in the league. She has been a consistent force in Dimboola’s side in 2024, and always troubles opposition defenders.
Indy Ward
Another young gun to keep an eye on now and into the future, the defender has stood out when she gets game time in the Roos A Grade. Ward is a key player in Dimboola’s 17 and under team and will make the most of A Grade final court time.
Versatility key
BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
After a home-and-away season in which Horsham and Horsham Saints dominated proceedings, Dimboola is hoping it can be the Wimmera A Grade netball competition’s finals dark horse.
The Roos finished third on the ladder with nine wins, six losses and a draw, and were the only team other than the Horsham-based powerhouses to finish with a percentage above 100.
And while Dimboola was winless against the top two sides in the home-and-away season, coach Ash Morrish said there were encouraging passages of play.
“At the start of the season I thought the two Horsham sides would be well out in front, which they are to an extent, but it’s proved to be a bit more even of a competition, which is good,” she said.
“The first time we played the Saints we matched them in the first quarter, so I think that was a highlight for us.
“The last time we played the Demons we came back at them and got within six in the last quarter.
“I think that proves to the girls that we can do it and be up there with them.”
Morrish believes positional versatility will give the Roos a boost in the finals.
The team features the dangerous Nicole Polycarpou in goals, but it was younger players such as Maddison Marra, Bridget Dorrington, Steph Glover and Indy Ward that Morrish said would need to elevate their games to propel
Dimboola deep into the finals. “I’m keen to watch our newer players in the finals. The likes of Steph, Bridge and Maddie. It’ll be interest ing to see how they go in the she said.
“It should be a good learning experience for them.
“We’re very versatile. We’ve got heaps of different combinations, so it’s about trying to match up on our opponents and working out what’s the best combo.”
A qualifying final against the Saints looms on Saturday, and with two losses by more than 30 goals to the two-time reigning premiers this season, Morrish knows her team will be a heavy underdog.
But she said her players could use successful patches against the top teams as a roadmap towards an upset win.
“I guess to challenge Horsham and Horsham Saints it’s about shutting down some of their key players,” she said.
“For the Saints, we’ll look at trying to shut down Jorja Clode a bit, if that’s even possible.
“We’ll try to quieten down a few of their other key players as much as we can. We want to take their game away from them.”
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Nicole Polycarpou
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Three in a row?
acGILLIVRAY
s the 2024 Wimmera Football Netball League finals commence, Horsham Saints know they stand on the precipice of a special achievement – three consecutive A Grade netball premierships.
Whether that knowledge is a blessing or a curse is difficult to say.
“I think three in a row is always something that’s going to be hanging over us and motivating us,” coach Jess Cannane said.
“We know that’s no easy feat to do. In games this season we’ve had really good wins and been able to play our game for the majority of the time, but finals are a different kettle of fish.
“It would be something pretty special, particularly because we’ve got a group of five or six players who have played for all of those finals and have
“It would be great for them to be rewarded for all the hard work they’ve done with more success.”
The Saints stand an excellent chance of challenging for a third successive premiership, having finished second on the ladder with 15 wins and only one loss. That loss came courtesy of Horsham Demons, who the Saints have narrowly defeated in each of the past two grand finals.
Cannane said the two meetings between the sides this season – the first of which the Saints won 65-48 and the second of which the Demons won 56-43 –were played at a high standard.
“When we come up against Horsham it’s always a really good opportunity for us to see where we’re sitting,” she said.
“The first time we played them on Anzac Day it was really nice to be able to get a good, solid win against them, because it’s something we probably haven’t done on an Anzac Day for quite some time.”
Cannane also described the Saints’ 92-40 win against Ararat in round 14 as a season highlight.
“That game was the return of Jorja Clode, and she came back after five weeks out with injury and shot about 70 goals,” she said.
In addition to Clode, Cannane said she was thrilled to see the development of several other youngsters.
“We’ve got four 17-and-under players who feature quite heavily in A Grade,” she said.
“Their development and the way they go about their netball is something that’s really pleasing, not only from a coaching point of view but also with regards to the future of our club.
“We’ve seen Maddison Bethune grow from strength to strength. She’s one of those 17-andunder players who has really stepped into her A Grade role and is playing really big minutes.
“She’s continued to improve since round one, so I’m really excited to see what she can do in a finals series.”
The Saints will kick off their finals campaign with a qualifying final against Dimboola this weekend.
The two previous meetings between the sides this season resulted in Horsham Saints victories by 33 and 31-goal margins.
Horsham Saints’ road to the finals
Coach: Jess Cannane
Round 1: W. 84 d Stawell 39. Home.
Round 2: W. 65 d Horsham 48. Away.
Round 3: W. 68 d Warrack Eagles 32. Home.
Round 4: W. 59 d Southern Mallee Thunder 29. Away.
Round 5: W. 75 d Ararat 37. Home.
Round 6: Bye.
Round 7: W. 67 d Minyip-Murtoa 46. Away.
Round 8: W. 70 d Dimboola 37. Home.
Round 9: W. 59 d Nhill 47. Away.
Round 10: W. 54 d Stawell 45. Away.
Round 11: L. 43 to Horsham 56. Home.**
Round 12: W. 55 d Warrack Eagles 23. Away.
Round 13: W. 67 d Southern Mallee Thunder 41. Home.
Round 14: W. 92 d Ararat 40. Away*
Round 15: Bye.
Round 16: W. 78 d Minyip-Murtoa 42. Home.
Round 17: W. 77 d Dimboola 46. Away.
Round 18: W. 82 d Nhill 45. Home.
* Highest score ** Lowest score
Total: Won: 15. Lost: 1. For: 1095. Against: 653. Points: 60. Percentage: 167.69.
Players to watch
Jorja Clode
Despite missing a few games through injury, the young Saints star still leads the league’s goal-shooting award. A tall target for the Saints, Clode, still playing 17 and under, is destined for higher levels of netball in her future.
Ash Grace
The Saints stalwart is captain consistency as she leads her top-class team to finals again. The former A Grade coach has the netball smarts to really influence finals games.
Ash Grace
Horsham’s road to the finals
Coach: Ebonie Salter
Round 1: W. 59 d Ararat 34. Away.
Round 2: L. 48 to Horsham Saints 65. Home.
Round 3: W. 60 d Minyip-Murtoa 35. Away.
Round 4: W. 57 d Dimboola 39. Home.
Round 5: W. 74 d Nhill 30. Away.
Round 6: W. 78 d Stawell 43. Home.
Round 7: Bye.
Round 8: W. 47 d Warrack Eagles 23. Away.
Round 9: W. 71 d Southern Mallee Thunder 41. Home.
Round 10: W. 82 d Ararat 21. Home.*
Round 11: W. 56 d Horsham Saints 43. Away.
Round 12: W. 71 d Minyip-Murtoa 34. Home.
Round 13: W. 43 d Dimboola 34. Away.**
Round 14: W. 55 d Nhill 37. Home.
Round 15: W. 60 d Stawell 38. Away.
Round 16: Bye.
Round 17: W. 75 d Warrack Eagles 23. Home.
Round 18: W. 54 d Southern Mallee Thunder 42. Away. * Highest score ** Lowest score
Total: Won: 15. Lost: 1. For: 990. Against: 582. Points: 60. Percentage: 170.10.
Players to watch
Georgie Carberry
Whether playing wing attack or centre, or thrown into goals, Carberry consistently plays at a high standard. The captain and former league best and fairest has been an important part of the Demons’ A Grade for several seasons.
Keely Pope
Mostly playing wing defence, Pope has had a great season. An important piece of the puzzle, she provides great connection between the defensive end and midcourt.
CHS,
Spirits high
BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
HorshamFootball Netball Club plays under the moniker Demons, but the club’s A Grade netball side has some demons of its own to exorcise as it enters the 2024 finals.
Horsham has an enviable record of success and consistency, qualifying for each of the past four Wimmera league A Grade grand finals. The only problem is it has lost each of them.
The past two grand finals have featured the Demons against Horsham Saints, with the Saints winning both encounters narrowly.
As both sides enter the finals with impressive 15-1 records, the possibility of a third straight grand final meeting looms over the competition.
But for Horsham player and netball director Romi Miller, the past will not play a factor in this season’s proceedings.
“We’re just focused on each game as it comes and trying to put our best netball on the court,” she said.
“I think previous finals losses are something you put to the side.
“Every year we’ve had a new group, so we haven’t really been playing with the same group of girls each season.”
Miller said while Horsham drew plenty of confidence from its most recent meeting with the Saints – a 56-43 win – the team would not underestimate any opponent in the finals.
“We’ve played a lot of teams where possibly the scores haven’t reflected the intensity of the game,” she said.
“It’s quite a physical season this year and all the teams are quite strong. It’s been a competitive season.”
Leading the charge for Horsham in the finals will be players such as Georgie Carberry – a popular tip for this season’s Hatcher Medal, who plays primarily in the midcourt but possesses the versatility to line up as a goalie.
Miller said she hoped starting goal ies Imogen Worthy and Georgia Batson would carry their recent strong form into the finals.
“Tahlia Thompson in the centre court has also had a really good season, and she’ll be influential in our finals series too,” Miller said.
Horsham’s narrow percentage advantage over the Saints gave the Demons the minor premiership and a first-week bye in the finals.
They will play the winner of this weekend’s qualifying final between Saints and Dimboola, with a spot in the grand final up for grabs.
But Miller said regardless of the stakes, the Demons were determined to enjoy themselves in the finals.
“We’ve built a good bond on the court. We’re playing as a team and we’ve got each other’s backs, so I don’t think the last two years are on our mind at all – we’re just focused on this season and the game ahead of us,” she said.
“We’re really proud of all our senior grades and where they’ve gotten to.
“Hopefully we get some nice weather and we can put some good games together.”
Keely Pope
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Travel safely as you, your team-mates and supporters travel to-and-from your games Congratulations to all who have participated in 2024. Best wishes to all still participating in finals action.