Inspired by a 10-goal haul by coach Tom Williamson, Ararat recorded a resounding victory over Southern Mallee on Saturday.
With a couple of goals in both the first and second quarters and one in the third, Williamson saved the best until last, booting five majors in the final quarter as Ararat won 23.17 (155) to 6.13 (49).
While the coach was clearly dominant in the forward 50, he was also not selfish and assisted many other players to find the big sticks, with nine other Ararat players chalking up at least one goal.
Ben Taylor and Naish McRoberts were best on ground for the Rats, while Angus McSweyn and Harry McLeod were the better players for the losing side and Bailey Edwards contributed three goals.
Ararat coaching director Corey Taylor said he was delighted with the win, as was the entire team.
"It's probably the first time we've strung together a really impressive four quarters for the year," Taylor said.
"To finish the game with a 10-goal quarter was really pleasing.
"We're starting to run out games well."
Taylor acknowledged the efforts of Williamson, as did Harry Ganley in the change rooms after the match.
"Tom's performance was exceptional," Taylor said.
"His first half of the season was marred by injury a little bit but he's put a solid block of four or five weeks together now and that showed in his performance today."
Taylor added Ben Taylor was also impressive, and his "hard-working self" through the middle of the pack.
"He even snuck forward to kick a couple of goals," Taylor said.
"Naish was his reliable self off half back, intercepting and generating plenty of attacking plays."
But it was like chalk and cheese in chatting to the coaches after the match, and as much as Taylor was elated, Thunder coaching director Jake Bridges was disappointed.
"It was a really disappointing day for us on a number of levels," Bridges said.
"Credit to Ararat, they were able to capitalise on our mistakes and made us pay.
"I'll review my performance also as a coach and I've already received some feedback on where I need to get better."
Bridges said they would review the game honestly and learn from their performance.
"We will use it as an opportunity to improve," he said.
"Our focus now shifts to responding the right way next week and putting in the performance we know we’re capable of."
With the win, Ararat move into first position on the ladder, on equal points with Horsham Saints but with a greater percentage of 186.23 compared to 152.14.