Ararat’s 72-41 win over the Saints on Saturday was possibly its most significant so far this season – its biggest win over a top-five side.
The Rats started well on their home turf, with eight scoring shots to three in the first term, but inaccuracy meant they held just a 15-point lead at quarter-time.
It was the Saints’ turn for inaccuracy in the second term, booting 1.6, and unable to claw back the Rats’ stranglehold on the game.
Rats’ ball-magnet Ben Taylor racked up 28 disposals and six clearances, while Jake Robinson was also crucial around clearances, with eight.
Despite Ararat extending the margin out to 30 points by three-quarter time, Reid Kuller battled hard for the Saints, collecting 32 disposals, 11 clearances and laying nine tackles.
With clinical precision through their kicking game, the Rats going inside 50 a total of 44 times, as opposed to the Saints who could only go forward 32 times.
Warrack Eagles were back on the winner’s list with a 32-point win over Minyip-Murtoa at Brim.
The Eagles, who went into the game without captain Ben Hanna, suspended for one week for head-butting, started well to hold a 14-point lead and never looked back.
A four-goal-to-one second quarter saw the Eagles jump out to a 29-point lead by half-time before the Burras lifted their game in the second half, however inaccuracy on the scoreboard, kicking 7.14, didn’t help their cause.
John Jorgensen had a day out for the Eagles, kicking seven goals, taking 15 marks, from 24 disposals.
Others to accumulate possessions were Sam Collins, 40 disposals and 14 clearances, Connor McFadyen, 34 disposals, and Billy Stokes, 33.
For the Burras, Oscar Gawith was important, kicking three goals from his 25 disposals, while Hamish McRae, 44 disposals, and coach Luke Fisher were also solid contributors.
At Horsham City Oval, Nhill’s 12-goal-to-five second half saw them run out 57-point winners over the Demons.
A relatively close first half, both sides had 10 scoring shots by half-time, but the Tigers held a 45-30 advantage.
Through the likes of Tom Wheaton, 28 disposals and four goals, and Drew Schneider with six majors, including four in the last term, the Tigers dominated disposals and clearances.
Demons captain Billy Carberry led the way for his side, kicking 10 inside 50s, while Zac Martin, and Sam and Ben Janetzki were among the better players.
Through nine goals by twin towers Paul Summers, five, and Cody Driscoll, four, Stawell scored an 86-31 win over Dimboola.
Former coach Tom Eckel dominated for the Warriors, with 32 disposals, nine clearances and nine inside 50s, while Sam Williams and Daniel Guccione were also integral in the win.
Despite winning the statistics’ sheet on all fronts except for inside 50s – mostly through the work of Ben Miller with 52 disposals, coach Andrew Moore, 37, and Simon Hobbs, 35 – the Roos struggled to convert.
Coming off a bye, Southern Mallee Thunder will host Nhill at Hopetoun in round 10, while another top-five clash will see arch rivals Ararat and Stawell at Alexandra Oval.
Warrack Eagles will play Horsham Saints at Brim, Minyip-Murtoa tackle Horsham Demons at Murtoa, while Dimboola has a bye.
The entire June 24, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
The entire June 24, 2026 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!
