The Ararat Rats took another step towards senior finals in 2017 but like previous years, fell just short of qualification.
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The Rats were under the guidance of co-coaches Terry Keilar and Mick Fratin and moved up to sixth position at the end of the year.
The squad had injury issues for much of the year but some key players made an impact including Tom Mills who was able to kick goals regularly during the year.
Keilar said there were some other young players who took some big steps in their development during the 2017 season
“Grady Slocombe and Adam Haslett who often played at centre half-back who was rarely beaten, even when he matched up on bigger opponents,” he said.
“In general, we are still a fairly young team with a lot of kids in our side including some of the under-17 players, so that holds us in good stead for the future.
“We were a little bit smaller as well, with lighter bodies when you come up against the bigger-bodied teams like Minyip-Murtoa but we could never question their endeavour.”
The club has already announced Shane Fisher as the new senior coach for 2018, something Keilar said is a positive move for the club.
“Shane Fisher is very well respected by the players, has a better understanding of the operations after being around the club for a year prior
“There are a lot of young kids who want to learn around the group and they just need a little more on field size and experience which they will be looking for.
“I think the move to appoint him so early is great and I expect the club to continue to improve next year.”
“I thoroughly enjoyed coaching them for the year, it is a brilliant club and a great bunch of people involved and I really encourage others to get involved with the club.
The team will enjoy a little break before preseason training starts in November under the watch of the new coach.