After finishing the year undefeated, the Rats' dominance continued in the grand final as they trounced the Horsham Demons by 55 points.

While Ararat started slowly, it came to life in the second quarter and went from strength to strength as the match wore on.

Coach Peter Carr said he was thrilled with the way his players fought the match out.

``Horsham had a lot of it in the first quarter. I think we were carrying a lot of nervous energy,'' Carr said.

``We made a few bad decisions early on, but the longer the game went on, the better we got.''

Ararat trailed by seven points at the first change but mid way through the second quarter it took full control of the game.

The Rats did what they do best, using their speed to overcome their taller opponents.

By the main break the Demons were clearly tired, a factor Ararat exploited in the remaining half.

In a disciplined display, the side kept their opponents to three goals, while Aaron McKinnis and Leroy O'Brien helped the Rats surge further ahead.

Carr said the work his side had put in during the year was evident.

``The boys have been training since January and it really paid off on the weekend,'' he said.

``Our kids looked a lot fitter and they ran the game out well.''

The Rats eventually ran away with a comfortable victory, with O'Brien winning the best on ground medal after a four goal performance.

Aaron McKinnis finished with five, while Nathan Stapleton stood out with an impressive display in the ruck.

``Leroy O'Brien was excellent and had a good finish but I also thought Nathan Stapleton had a fantastic game,'' Carr said.

``He was really dominant and turned the game around, rucking against an opponent six inches taller.

``Every player had an impact on the game though.''

Many of the Rats' players celebrated their first premiership on Saturday and after losing last year's grand final to the Demons, Carr said the win was a fitting reward.

``Pre-match I told the boys that they can have the best year they have ever had but in the end they will be judged on their final performance,'' he said.

``They have been dominant all year and worked really hard so it was pleasing to see them carry that through to the grand final,'' he said.

``Winning a premiership is just reward for their efforts.''

Carr said he would relinquish his coaching role next year and has thanked Greg Dadswell for 10 years of assistance with the Rats' junior players.