By Abby Walter

Wimmera league reigning premier Ararat will have big expectations on its shoulders this season.

Last season, the Rats were minor premiers before a semi-final loss, but it did not hold them back come the big dance, winning the premiership by 21 points.

This season, the Rats are ready to work hard again, with Tom Williamson and Tom Mills co-coaching the team.  

Mills said pre-season was successful.

“Numbers have been up the whole time and players have been really keen to keep improving their craft and get better,” he said.

“We’ve had to adapt a fair bit with no available ovals to train on, so we’ve been training at the under-13s oval.

“But the players have been really good about it and just get to work.”

Mills said he was looking forward to getting out on the oval with the team and getting back to playing.

“It’s what everyone trains for, so everyone’s super excited for Good Friday,” he said.

“It will be nice to see how we execute game styles and plans that we have trained for all summer as well.”

After achieving the ultimate team success in 2023, Mills said the main takeaway from last season was nothing would come easy.

“You have to put in a lot of work, and I know our players are all well aware of that coming into this year,” he said.

“The thing I want to build on is our connection as a team and as a club.

“The more time we spend with each other and build good relationships, it makes for a much better team.”

Mills said some key outs for the team were Tex Korewah, Liam Arnott, Ben Taylor and Dan Mendes who were retiring.

“They are all massive losses for the club,” he said.

“After going through pre-season and having those blokes missing, you quickly see younger players step up, which is really pleasing to see.

“Some key ins will be Sam Cronin from Tatyoon, who has been a junior previously from Ararat.

“Another is Xav Vearing who is returning to the club from a year off.

“Also, Ben McKenzie is joining us from the Northern Football League in Melbourne.”

Mills said the team would have a practice match between Good Friday and round one, with such a large break.

“Tom and I think the boys will be better for it, instead of having three weeks off,” he said.

 “We would both like to wish all the Ararat football and netball teams all the best for the year ahead.”

After playing against Stawell on Good Friday, Ararat will host Horsham Demons in round one on April 20 at Alexandra Oval.

Coaches: 

Seniors: Tom Mills and Tom Williamson

Reserves: James Hosking and Zac Louder

Under-17s: Jack Ganley

Under-14s: Jason Marsh and Shane Jenkins

Under-12s: To be confirmed

Under-9s: To be confirmed

The entire March 27, 2024 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire March 27, 2024 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!