Stawell keen to break drought
In Wimmera Football League’s 2000 grand final, high-flying and mercurial forward Simon Dunn treated Wimmera Football League fans to an incredible display of high marking.
Dunn soared over the packs all game, hauling in spectacular mark after spectacular mark as Stawell trumped its arch rival Ararat in a memorable showdown.
Coach of the time Murray Emerson led the celebrations, almost squeezing the life out of players in bear hugs on the bench as the final siren sounded.
For some, it almost seems like it happened yesterday. The reality is that it unfolded 17 years ago and represents the last time the major-league crew from Pleasant Creek held the Wimmera premiership cup aloft.
The long absence from grand final success is providing a spur for first-time coach and young veteran Tom Eckel, leading the Warriors into the 2017 season.
“I want us to get the first premiership for Stawell in 17 years – we all want it,” he said.
“A lot of the guys in the team, perhaps the majority, have experienced the bad, when we could not win a game, and now with a chance to be successful, we want a premiership.
“I’m not just talking about a one-off. We want to be successful for five or 10 years – that’s my aim and the aim of the club.
“We’ve come close three times but we want to win one.
“The town is buzzing because things are looking okay.
“We want to do it for the town, the club, the fans and blokes who have done the hard yards.”
Stawell, gradually building in strength during the past few years, finished third on the ladder last year before making its mark in the finals, eventually missing a spot in the grand final by three points in an agonisingly close preliminary clash against Minyip-murtoa.
Eckel said he was confident the Warriors were set for a big year and predicted fans would see slight differences in the way players approached each game.
“We’re going to be reasonably tall, which is a little different to the past few years, but we still want to move the ball quickly,” he said.
“There will be a couple of little changes, but nothing too drastic. People will hopefully see a fast and exciting Stawell team.”
Stawell has strengthened its list with highly decorated Warrnambool premiership forward and Hampden league representative Travis Graham joining the list.
Graham joined the Warriors through connections with player James Delahunty.
Another coup for Stawell is the return of super-fit veteran, former Collingwood draftee and Toohey Medallist Brent Tuckey, who has been playing Melbourne metropolitan football.
Sean Mantell is also back with the Warriors from Swifts, guaranteeing extra midfield strength and dash, and Eckel suggested fellow midfielder BJ Birch from Great Western would quickly establish himself as an important player.
The club will also get ruckman Jack Beaton, injured halfway through last season, back this year.
“We’ve had solid numbers, which has been good considering we have a lot of blokes living away and attending university,” he said.
“A lot of young fellas have put in hard work and did well in a practice match against Beaufort, which was really pleasing.”
Offsetting the incoming players is the loss of David Morris to Leopold in Geelong League and former coach Brad Thomas.
“The coaching panels over the past couple of years got us playing a good brand of footy and looking outside the box – for many it’s now become second nature,” Eckel said.
“We’re looking towards winning round one – that’s the first goal. It’s a pretty big game, especially against arch rival Ararat. A win would be the perfect way to start the season.”
Stawell president Debbie Bach said the Good Friday clash at North Park was an exciting development.
“It will be a great way to start the season,” she said.
“The club as a whole is going really well – we have new faces on the committee, a women’s team training on Wednesdays and things are ticking over nicely.”
Stawell volunteers are also planning for 1987 premiership reunion celebrations later this year.
The club has a practice match against St Arnaud at St Arnaud on Saturday and Eckel has urged players and supporters to keep an eye on a Warriors Facebook page for any changes to a training schedule.