The Demons were the favoured team going into the match, but a closely contested first term sent shockwaves through the camp.

Ararat came out firing and, as a result, trailed by just one point at quarter-time.

Horsham held the ball inside their forward 50 for the majority of the second quarter, but were unable to convert opportunities into a big score.

The Demons had at least 18 shots on goal for just four majors, which allowed Ararat to remain in the match.

Horsham coach Nick Pekin said the game should have been over by half-time, and Ararat coach David Hosking agreed.

But the Rats outscored Horsham three goals to one in the third quarter and were just 22 points behind by the final change, setting up a tantalising final stanza.

The Rats kicked the first of the final term to reduce the margin to three goals.

But Horsham steadied and, when the Demons were awarded an easy goal following a 50-metre penalty, the game was well out of Ararat’s reach. 

Horsham prevailed by 57 points.

Hosking was pleased with the Rats’ first and third quarter and said inexperience was the deciding factor of the game.

“We had three players playing their first senior game,” he said.

“We need to start developing players, but at this stage they are not in the same class as some of the Horsham players. 

They are talented young footballers with good attitudes but they need more game time.”

Domenic Didomenico, Chris Wilson and Ben Boatman made their senior debuts. Didomenico was among Ararat’s best players and kicked three goals.

Hosking said all three players would likely hold their spots in the seniors after a solid performance. Ararat was missing several players and Hosking said he was hoping they would return for round nine.

Pekin said Horsham would spend time working on goal-kicking at training.

“There are no excuses for our kicking,” he said.

“We need to work on that as well as short hit up targets around the ground. We thought we would be fresh after the break, but it wasn’t to be.”