Football
9 September, 2024
Warriors break three game losing streak
Stawell has broken a three-game losing streak to defeat a spirited Nhill by eight points at Coughlin Park in Sunday's semi-final in the Wimmera Football Netball League.
Nhill headed into the game as favourites, based on form, but Stawell got the upper hand in the first quarter, with a three-goal to nil quarter, to lead by 17 points at quarter-time.
The Warriors had their chance to put the game to bed in the second quarter, kicking one goal and five behinds, but the Tigers used it to their advantage to claw their way back, kicking three goals and two to trail by eight points at the main break.
The game remained tight in the third quarter. Nhill fought hard to stay in the match, but Stawell only increased its lead to 11 points at three-quarter time.
The Tigers fought back in a do-or-die last quarter, but the Warriors held on to win 8.9.57 to 7.7.49.
Cody Driscoll kicked a game-high three goals for the Warriors, with Aiden Graveson as the other multiple-goal kicker.
Josh Fowkes was brilliant in the ruck, with Cody Driscoll, Sean Mantell, Sam Williams, Josh Linton, and Aiden Graveson among their best players.
Warriors coach Tom Eckel said the win was a weight off the shoulders and credited the fast start.
"Three games in a row, we have lost by pretty much over ten goals, so we needed to get the confidence back and to start the way we did, it was the best start we have had all season, and it has gotten the confidence up," Eckel said.
"We think we deserve the spot in the preliminary final as we banked the early wins, and now we are there, we will draw from this win.
"We had a good mindset heading into the match, had the matchups right, and everything clicked."
Next Sunday against the Southern Mallee Thunder, Eckel knows the fast start is crucial.
"The two times we played them, we couldn't get our hands on the footy, and they got away from us, so we can't allow them to kick six goals in the first quarter," Eckel said.
"We need to try and break even at the start, get a good start, and if we can't get a good break early, just slog it out until we can get things on our terms.
"The Thunder is a good outfit with big boys across all lines, and they have had it over us for a while, so we simply have to perform a lot better."
Stawell will go into the match with everyone available from the weekend. Marlon Motlop may be available for selection after missing the match."
Xavier Bone and Jake McQueen kicked two goals apiece for Nhill, while Jarryd Dahlenburg was sensational through the middle. Deek Roberts, Jordan Zeitz, Petros Politis, and Matt Kennedy were their best players.
For Nhill, the loss ends a successful season in which they made the finals for the first time since 2010. With a young team, they have a lot to build on for season 2025.
For Stawell, it's a much-needed confidence boost. They now turn their attention to the Southern Mallee Thunder at Murtoa Recreation Reserve on Sunday, against whom they have a 0-2 record this season.