Football
7 May, 2024
Stawell remain unbeaten after winning thriller
Stawell remains unbeaten in the Wimmera Football Netball League following a five-point thriller against Dimboola in round three.
Jackson Calder had a shot to win the game for Dimboola after the final siren, but his shot went wayward and Stawell held on to win 12.10.82 to 11.11.77.
It was a tight match throughout with Dimboola leading by eight at quarter time and then two at half time. Stawell led by a point at the final break and held on.
Stawell coach Tom Eckel said it was a great game of football.
"They jumped us at the start and we just grinded away with momentum swinging both ways a lot of the time," Eckel said.
"They were pretty good through the midfield and they beat us there, so it's a credit to them.
"We weren't as polished going up forward so we need to clean up in that area."
Cody Driscoll kicked six goals in the win with Jackson Calder also kicking six for Dimboola.
Aiden Graveson was great in the ruck with Eckel saying they had to make a few structural changes.
"We started Aiden on Calder but made the change early to put Josh Fowkes there and he played ruck all day and took strong marks and put in excellent second-effort work after the ruck contest."
For Dimboola, Andrew Moore and Dylan Landt were brilliant through the middle.
Minyip Murtoa bounce back
At Murtoa Recreation Reserve, Minyip Murtoa bounced back from last week's thrashing at the hands of Stawell to defeat Horsham by 16 points.
The Demons started the game out strong, leading by seven at quarter time and two at halftime. In the second half, the Burras started capitalising on their opportunities to run out 10.14.74 to 8.10.58 winners.
Kade Petering was sensational through the middle of the ground for the Burra with Tim Mackenzie solid down back. Tanner Smith was the star up forward with seven goals in a best-on-ground performance.
Burras coach Gareth Hose said they had plenty of the ball early, kicking 10 behinds in the first half and that the Demons were able to punish them.
"Horsham was good at taking it down the other end and making us pay for our errors," Hose said.
"We started capitalising on our chances in the second half and Smith was a great focus point up forward all day. It was an area we thought we could exploit as Horsham don't have much height on the ground and he got the ball in his hands and finished it off."
"It was a great team effort. Everyone played well and the back six in particular did their jobs well."
For the Demons, Ryan Kemp continues his good form with three goals with Billy Carberry excellent in the ruck.
Demons coach Jordy Burke said it was a hotly contested match.
"Both teams tackled hard and it was a real scrappy game early due to the pressure," Burke said.
"In the end, we made too many mistakes and had our chances to win, but the errors were too much."
"We have been in games so far this year, so that is a positive, but it does get frustrating when you are having opportunities. We will keep learning and putting things together and it will take time."
Saints secure first win of 2024
The Saints defeated Warrack Eagles by 74 points at Coughlin Park on Saturday to open their account in 2024.
The first quarter was tight, but they flexed their muscles to win 16.15.111 to 5.7.37.
Nathan Koenig was solid up forward with five goals with Max Bryan also solid through the middle.
Saints coach Ben Knott said it was a reward for effort.
"We are a young group and there are some fresh faces in the side and it was good to see them in the middle of the circle singing the song," Knott said.
"The first half was scrappy with neither side playing well, but the boys got some hard truths at halftime and came out and played the way we wanted to play."
Knott highlighted Koenig, Bryan and youngster Fred Frew.
"Koenig has been good for us - not just kicking goals, but being competitive and bringing the ball to ground," Knott said.
"Bryan had a good game and is a really good user of the footy and he found that rhythym again.
"Fred Frew is still young only turning 18 and he is still getting used to the league and finding his feet, but it was good to see him hit the scoreboard and he is gathering confidence every week."
Ararat defeat Thunder in tough match
In a close battle at Alexandra Oval, Ararat had a tough 15-point win over the Southern Mallee Thunder.
Missing Tom Mills, Sonny Kettle, Ben Taylor, Rob Armstrong and Xavier Vearing, Ararat took a three-point lead into quarter time and then extended that margin to 14 at the main break before holding it to run out 14.9.93 to 12.6.78 winners.
Tom Williamson kicked four goals in the win.
Co-coach Tom Mills said the game could have gone anywhere.
"It was a tight game and anyone could have won it," Mills said.
"Late in the game we only had one on the bench due to injury and we had to manage players and it was tricky but we were able to do that so it's a big credit to the boys.
"We won it in the contest and didn't let them get space because when they got space they were quick and hard to defend."
Baydn Cosgriff stood out for the Rats with his versatility across the ground.
"Baydn played full back and then went full forward and swapped in the middle for a bit, which was a different role for him, but he played it well," Mills said.
"Luke Spalding was excellent off halfback and he set us up well going forward. He has good skills and makes good decisions.
"Sam Cronin off half back intercepted the ball a few times and his skill is good and it was pleasing to see him have a good game."
For the Thunder, they were also missing players with Sam White and Simon Clugston in concussion protocol whilst Rupert Sangster and Brad Lowe didn't play.
Jack Baird kicked two goals with Thomas Clarke and Liam Nelson. Coleman Schache was their best player.
Thunder coach Kieran Delahunty said it was a tough game.
"They played their ground well and for us, we just fumbled a lot," Delahunty said.
"They just covered the ground better and applied pressure and halfway through the last we were within a goal and had our chances but we weren't good enough during the day."
Delahunty highlighted Coleman Schache and Billy Lloyd.
"Both were great through the middle. Jackson Fisher and Liam Nelson were also awesome. Jack Baird in his first senior game at the club played up forward and was also good," Delahunty said.