There was a lot going on at the Warrack Eagles last week but nothing more significant, and potentially season-defining, than a 12-point win over Southern Mallee Thunder.

The Eagles hosted the second Country Club Week of 2026 for AFL Victoria, with visits from former AFL player Scott Selwood and ex-Melbourne Vixens netballer Rahni Samason and as a host club, benefiting from more than $15,000 in funding, promotional support and new equipment such as footballs, netballs and goal post padding.

Saturday’s game at Anzac Park, Warracknabeal, was a tight tussle with the Thunder out to an 11-point lead by halftime before the home side mounted a third-quarter comeback to take an eight-point lead into the last change.

Through the work of Sam Hanna, Jackson Taurau and Brandon Walsh, the Eagles were impressive against the Thunder, who were missing star ruckman Kieran Delahunty.

The Thunder kicked the first goal of the last term to narrow the margin to just two points but the Eagles, with the home crowd behind them, were quick to reply through a Sam Hanna goal.

A goal by Nic Lehman sealed the win for the Eagles, who now sit just outside the top five by percentage. 

It was also a special weekend if you had the surname of Penny – with Tom debuting in the seniors, Trav receiving a WorkSafe Volunteer of the Year award, and Matt starring in a video that went viral since the weekend, featuring the smothering skills of his and Thunder’s Bailey Edwards.

Trav Penny said he was honoured but a little embarrassed about the award.

“There’s a massive team that’s part of this footy club, and I’m only one small part of it,” he said.

“I’m  truly honoured – I didn’t expect it... but it’s a team effort. It’s not an individual effort.”

Round seven in Wimmera league senior football saw four games that were decided by a margin less than 14 points.

Horsham Saints travelled to Central Park and scored a 13-point win over the Warriors.

The Saints led by eight points at halftime, before the Warriors hit back in the third to take the lead.

Trailing by 14 points at three-quarter time, the Saints piled on six goals in the final term to record a memorable 82-69 victory.

Jeremiah McKenzie, Reid Kuller, Bailey Brennan and co-captain Mitch Martin led the way for the Saints, who now sit equal top of the ladder with the Thunder and Warriors, while Ararat is four points behind in fourth spot.

Sunny Brazier, Riley Ika and Zachary Marrow were shining lights for the Warriors.

In another close match, the Rats came away with a six-point win over Nhill, with Baydn Cosgriff, Ethan Summers and Hugh Toner named best.

Just two points separated the two top-tier sides at halftime, before Nhill gained the ascendancy in the third quarter to lead by seven points.

It was raining points in the fourth quarter as the Rats kicked 3.7.

Tigers co-coach Jake McQueen added another three goals to take his season’s tally to 17 – sitting equal second with Warrior Cody Driscoll behind Stawell sharp-shooter Paul Summers on 20.

In the closest match of the round – a 56-all draw – Dimboola and Minyip-Murtoa remain winless in 2026.

The home side led slightly at every change before the Burras were able to level the scoreboard in the last quarter.

Roos’ coach Andrew Moore led by example as Mitchell O’Donnell and Riley McLaughlin were also named among the best, while Burras’ Hamish McRae, Nick Cushing and Tim Mackenzie were considered their side’s best performing players.

All clubs have a bye this weekend for the King’s Birthday public holiday before the competition resumes on June 13. 

The entire June 3, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!