Sport
30 May, 2026
Sides battle for second spot
In what will be the Game of the Round in the Wimmera Football Netball League this Saturday when the Horsham Saints (third) are on the road to battle it out with the Stawell Warriors (second).
With a record of 4-1 this season, the Saints are one game clear of fourth but also trail the opposition this week by four points.
The Angus Martin-led side has dropped just the one match this season, to the ladder leaders, the Thunder, in the fourth round.
The Horsham side does have a higher percentage than the Warriors so could sneak into second if they win on Saturday.
The Warriors are 5-1 this season, with the Thunder also having been responsible for their only defeat in 2026.
If the James Sullivan- and Perry Meka-guided side gets the win this week and Thunder loses, they will earn their place as the ladder leaders.
But there are still 80-plus minutes of, hopefully, competitive footy to take place before the game is done and won.
Saints coach Angus Martin described the game on Saturday as "massive" and said there was no better way to test his side than by playing the best in the competition.
"This will really show us where we are at as I think Stawell have shown they're a top three side this season," Martin said.
"I think we will match up well with Stawell; they're a very attacking side with a strong mid/forward and I believe we're similar.
"I think it'll be whose defence can hold up the longest and who works harder."
Martin is predicting a big battle between the sides' rucks but says the Saints' big man can get the job done.
"The ruckmen will have a massive battle," he said.
"Josh Fowkes is the premier ruckman in the league but I believe our ruckman, Tom Vincent, can match it with him and put us in good stead."