Football
2 September, 2024
Rats book date with Thunder
For the second consecutive week, Ararat has defeated Stawell, this time thrashing them by 56 points at Davis Park in the Wimmera Football Netball League's first Qualifying Final on Saturday.
Kicking with the wind in the first quarter, Ararat managed to kick three goals to one to lead by 16 points at quarter-time.
The Rats set the game up in the second quarter against the wind, kicking two goals to one to extend their margin to 23 points at half-time.
The Rats came out firing in the third quarter, blowing the Warriors away. Kicking seven goals to three, they led by 51 points at three-quarter-time.
Although the game was won, that didn't stop the Rats, who continued to fight the game out, outscoring the Warriors in the last to win 14.14.98 to 6.6.42.
Tom Mills was sensational for the Rats, kicking seven goals, following his tally of six and four in the previous two weeks.
Ben Taylor was outstanding, with Sonny Kettle, Baydn Cosgriff, Henry Shea, Brody Griffin, and Sam Cronin among their best.
Cody Driscoll kicked two goals for Stawell. Zachary Marrow, Sam Williams, Sean Mantell, Samuel Jenkinson, Mitchel Taylor, and Ash Driscoll were among their best on the ground.
Ararat co-coach Tom Mills said he was happy with the team's performance and with his form after missing a lot of football this year.
"Having missed a lot of footy, I am happy to be out there and contributing to the team, and we are happy with where we are as a team," Mills said.
"I didn't expect it to go our way as much as it did, but we played high-pressure football and a four-quarter game, which you must do in finals.
"We didn't have any problems in the strong wind, and we used it to our advantage when we had it, and when we didn't have it, we had to play smart."
"It was tough to kick into it, so we just took the time off the clock and played smart footy, and if we took a risk, we made sure it was going to come off."
Ararat missed ruckman Cody Lindsay, which meant Baydn Cosgriff moved to ruck, with Jim Jennings playing on the dangerous Cody Driscoll. Mills said they were sensational.
"Baydn is tall and strong, and he came up against two decent ruckmen and played a great game out of position," Mills said.
"Jim is good at one-on-ones, gets good kicks away, is strong in the air, and played brilliantly.
"Sonny Kettle did a great job through the midfield, moving forward to kick two goals. He is really hungry at the contest, throws his head over it, and you know what you will get from him."
Ararat will now play the Southern Mallee Thunder at Anzac Park for a place in the grand final on Saturday. After defeating them twice this year, Mills is confident heading into the clash.
"At this stage, we should get Cody Lindsay back, and we are excited heading into the match next week," Mills said.
"Regardless of who plays, we are going in with confidence as we match up well with the Thunder, and regardless of what happens, it will be a great game."
The Thunder should welcome Rupert Sangster and Brad Lowe back from long layoffs, putting them at full strength.