Football
18 April, 2026
Roos ready to take on rebounding Rats
It's been an extended preseason for Dimboola, but they'll finally kick off their 2026 Wimmera Football Netball season this week.
But waiting for them in round two of the season is the defending premiers, who will be looking to get back on the list of winners after dropping their first game of the season.
While the Andrew Moore-led side has had a delayed start due to the draw, Ararat, coached by Tom Williamson, was defeated by Stawell in the opening week of the season, 12.9 (81) to 11.20 (86).
"We are excited to kick off the season," admitted Moore.
"There are that many trainings when there is plenty of time off between the seasons, but we are certainly looking forward to putting our best foot forward for 2026."
Despite Ararat's early loss, Moore is under no doubt as to how big a challenge the contest will be, as he admitted he has a lot of respect for the Ararat side.
"We greatly respect them and admire how they go about their footy, and it's going to be a challenge, but one we are looking forward to," Moore said.
"You always want to come up against the best players in the comp, and not only that, but the best team in the comp, and we see them as one of those.
"They will be a big challenge for us."
While Ararat was well served by Brayden Draffin and Brody Griffin last week, they have depth in their talent.
Not only does Ararat have a few weapons in the forward line, including coach Williamson, who booted five majors in the opening round, but it also has talent across the field.
"They've got depth all over the ground," Moore said.
"I think the best thing they have is that they have flexibility and versatility amongst their team.
"They've got players that can play forward and on ball or down back or up forward.
"They've got a lot of versatility, which is hard to match up on from both a playing point of view and structurally."
But after a strong preseason, Moore said he had his eyes on a list of Dimboola players, looking forward to seeing their progress during the season.
"Lachlan Mackley is one I would love to see continue his momentum from last year," Moore said.
"He finished off the year really strongly and had a huge impact on the team, especially during the final series, and he hasn't put a foot wrong through preseason.
"I am really looking forward to seeing how he can develop further and continue having a stronger impact on games.
"Tommy O'Dwyer is a player who has come back into the mix at Dimboola, which has been nice.
"He'll play a really strong position up forward, and we will mix him in around other positions."