Rats a test for Dees
Aclash between Ararat and Horsham at Ararat’s Alexandra Oval on Saturday will have big ramifications for the Demons’ premiership defence.
Horsham enjoyed a 45-point win against Nhill at the weekend to right the ship after a big loss to ladder-leader Minyip-murtoa in round six of Wimmera league competition, but has not been able to play well consistently this season.
The Demons had wins against fellow finals aspirants Horsham Saints and Southern Mallee Giants to start their 2019 campaign, but have since faltered against Stawell and the Burras.
Coach Deek Roberts decided to swing Rhona Conboy into attack against Nhill in the absence of spearhead Josh Mibus, who injured his knee against Minyipmurtoa. The move paid dividends, with Conboy bagging five goals and Roberts slotting four of his own to propel the side to a 15.12 (102) to 8.9 (57) win over the Tigers.
The team might not find the going so easy against the Rats.
With dangerous forward Tom Mills to contend with, the Demons’ backline could find itself undermanned if Conboy plays forward again.
There should also be an engrossing battle between Roberts and Rat Jack
Ganley, two excellent goal-kicking onballers.
Nhill, meanwhile, will face the red hot Burras on Saturday.
Mitchell Borgelt, Frazer Driscoll and Jake Harrap were among the best performers for the Tigers against Horsham, while forward Scott Hughes kicked two goals to maintain a slim lead in the league goal-kicking tally.
The team will be hard pressed to stay with Minyip-murtoa, which was clinical after half time in a 14.15 (99) to 9.8 (62) win over Warrack Eagles.
The Burras kicked eight goals to three after the long break, with Brad Inglis slotting six to lead the team to victory.
The Burras’ tall timber came to the fore with Jae Mcgrath and Fergus Schier making big impacts.
Eagles coach Ryan Mckenzie led by example with four goals, midfielder Nick Peters also outstanding.
In round seven’s final match, Southern Mallee Giants overcame a determined Dimboola 12.11 (83) to 6.12 (48) on the back of an eight-goal haul from Riley Lehmann.
The big-bodied forward was the star of the day, with coach Coleman Schache and elusive rover Clint Burdett also putting their stamp on the game.
Four goals to Justin Beugelaar added some respectability to Dimboola’s scoreboard; Ash Clugston, former NEAFL recruit Matt Rosier and the speedy Elliot Braithwaite were also contributors for the Roos.
The Giants now face an intriguing clash with Horsham Saints at Coughlin Park.
The Saints are in danger of slipping out of touch with the top five if they lose, while a chance to push into the top three is on offer for the Giants.
Dimboola will host Stawell, with club legend Tim Watson returning for the first time in years to watch the clash.
Warrack Eagles have a round eight bye.