THE Ararat Eagles have gone back-to-back in the Mininera and District Football League under-16 competition, but were made to work for the premiership by Moyston/Willaura in last Saturday's grand final.
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The Eagles went into the contest as firm favourites having won all 12 of their matches in the 2014 season on the way to another grand final berth, although the Pumas proved to be a worthy combatant after upsetting two higher ranked teams in the September race.
It was a competitive opening quarter of the decider at Glenthompson with the two teams going goal-for-goal before some creative work from Mitchell Richards, Frederick Stokes and Ethan Thomas helped the Eagles push ahead by nine points at the first break.
Moyston/Willaura continued to battle hard during the second term, with vice captain Ford Guthrie leading the charge and finding support in talented tall Shane Gannon and the strong Zac Chick.
It was only some momentary lapses from the Pumas that allowed the Eagles to pounce, with the minor premier kicking three goals to Moyston/Willaura's one to lead by 21 points at halftime.
After the sides regrouped at the main break, both came out firing to start the second half and continued to trade goals as the third quarter progressed.
Ben Robertson was the standout for the Eagles during the term, while Pumas' Pat Higgins and Jordan Wells saw plenty of the action.
Moyston/Willaura had its chances during the final quarter, but the experience of Ararat helped lift the side when it mattered.
Captain Naish McRoberts finished the match with three goals to win the Peter Brown Medal and lead his team to the 25-point victory 10.12 (72) to 7.5 (47).
Michael Bennett also bagged three majors for the Eagles, while Zac Jenkins dominated the game across four quarters, as did Joseph Dukic who was judged best afield.
Kaleb O'Riley rounded out Moyston/Willaura's top performers.
