Ice-breaker to set standard
Aground-breaking Good Friday Wimmera Football League clash between Stawell and Ararat will set an early standard for a big year in the league.
With the expectation of one of the closest seasons in years, some commentators are convinced Stawell is the team to beat this season.
But Ararat also rates as another potential mover and shaker, especially in a special-occasion season opener against its arch rival.
Both camps have fresh leadership, with Stawell placing responsibilities in the hands of young veteran Tom Eckel and Ararat entrusting a favourite son and former star Mick Fratin to get the best from the Rats.
The 2.20pm clash will be at North Park in Stawell, unfamiliar territory for Wimmera league, and represents the first of a string of first-round stand-alone games.
Other first-round games the following week include a traditional 2.20pm Saturday clash between Dimboola and Warrack Eagles and a 6.20pm contest between Minyipmurtoa and Nhill.
A 6.20pm Anzac Day game between Horsham and Horsham Saints will be on Tuesday week. Wimmera league chief commissioner Trevor Albrecht, who has led concept planning for the idea for several seasons, said a Good Friday game was a good fit for the competition.
“We’re really looking forward to it. I’ve had it on the table for two years and knew we had a seven-year window without dates coming back too early in the season,” he said.
“We interviewed other clubs to see who wanted to be involved but the thought was that while people often left other parts of the region during the Easter break, many came back to the Stawell-ararat area for the Stawell Gift. We did a lot of homework and think we have it right and Stawell and Ararat jumped at the opportunity.
“We encourage footy fans to get to North Park and look forward to a ripper game.”
Stawell will shape up differently this year with new key-position power in the shape of Hampden league representative Travis Graham and Toohey Medallist and veteran Brent Tuckey.
Ararat, meanwhile, also has the likes of Riley Taylor, Zach Louder and Nick Mendes joining the playing group this year.