Stawell gave its senior football finals aspirations a boost on Saturday, pulling away from the visiting Warrack Eagles after quarter time to win by 45 points at Central Park.

The Warriors led the Eagles by only a kick at the first change, with a superb goal from deep in the forward pocket by Stawell forward Sunny Brazier an early highlight, while Sam Hanna provided an attacking target for the Eagles.

But from early in the second quarter the home side began to take control of the match, with Cody Driscoll finding Aiden Graveson for a strong mark in the goal square to start a run of three straight goals.

While the Eagles answered again through Hanna, a deft snap from Kyan Mellor consolidated the Warriors’ lead moments later.

Leading by 29 points at the long break, another six goals to three in the second half sealed an important 16.7 (103) to 8.10 (58) win for Stawell.

Leading the way were forwards Driscoll and Paul Summers, with the latter kicking seven while the former’s combativeness in the air and at ground level saw him kick three and set up numerous others.

Stawell’s Josh Fowkes put in a strong performance in the ruck, while Daniel Guccione was in top form across half-back.

For the Eagles, Sem Kuzamba fought an entertaining ruck duel with Fowkes, while Sam Hanna looked their most threatening forward and defender Matt Penny was named the side’s top player. The win solidified fourth position on the ladder for the 7-3 Warriors, while the Eagles dropped to 4-6 and remain two games adrift of Nhill in the finals race.

The 45-point margin was the closest of the round, with Ararat, Southern Mallee Thunder and Horsham Saints each recording big wins at the weekend.

The Saints played a Sunday blockbuster against crosstown rival Horsham at Coughlin Park, but it was all one-way traffic as the home side dominated to win 19.15 (129) to 8.6 (54).

Rory Taggert finished with seven goals for the Saints, but it was Reid Kuller who earned best afield honours, while co-captain Mitch Martin was also prominent in the centre.

Leading the way for the Demons were Ben Janetzki and Zac Martin, with Chaz Smith the team’s lone multiple-goal scorer with two.

A match between the ladder’s top and bottom sides at Dimboola went as their ranking suggested it would, with visiting Ararat dominating the Roos to win 18.14 (122) to 5.3 (33).

Two goals in each of the second and third terms gave Dimboola something to hang its hat on, but the Rats were comfortably in control throughout, with coach Tom Williamson booting four goals, captain Tom Mills adding three, Jake Robinson dominating in the midfield and Naish McRoberts playing well across half-back.

Dimboola’s best included Andrew Moore, Ash Clugston, Riley McLaughlin and Tom O’Dwyer with three goals.

Southern Mallee Thunder’s win over Minyip-Murtoa was also one-way traffic, with Bailey Edwards and Matt Lloyd combining for 11 goals in a 16.13 (109) to 7.5 (47) win.

Other standouts for the Thunder included Jai Kennealy, Simon Clugston, Haydn Drew and Kieran Delahunty, while the top players for the Burras were Jack Boschen, Lachlan Johns and Oscar Gawith.

The Thunder will now begin preparing for an important top-three clash this weekend against Horsham Saints, with the Saints able to claim top spot on the ladder with a win while the Thunder could overtake the Saints for second if they claim victory.

Other matches will see Nhill hosting Minyip-Murtoa, Stawell at home against Horsham and Dimboola travelling to play Warrack Eagles, while ladder leader Ararat has a bye.

Finals fixtures announced

Wimmera Football Netball League announced its finals fixtures this week, with Horsham City Oval to host the league’s grand final for the first time since 2022 on Saturday, September 19.

A qualifying final will be at ANZAC Park, Warracknabeal on Saturday, August 29; an elimination final is at Beulah Memorial Park on Sunday, August 30; the second semi final will be at Dimboola Recreation Reserve on Saturday, September 5; the first semi final is set for Central Park, Stawell on Sunday, September 6; and the preliminary final will be at Murtoa Recreation Reserve on Saturday, September 12.

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