The region's best junior football talent have shown off their skills under the sparkling Friday night lights of Central Park, with the Turner-Tuckey shield on the line.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A big crowd filed into to watch rivals Ararat and Stawell battle for the shield and community pride, with Ararat walking away victorious after a thrilling battle.
The young and undersized Stawell squad started slowly, conceding the first five goals of the match.
Callum Harris, Skyla Ralph and Kobe Herbert were all amongst the goals for Ararat, putting the Stawell defenders under all kinds of pressure.
But before half-time, Stawell rallied with a goal of their own, cutting the margin to 5.2 (32) to 1.0 (6).
And in the second half Stawell continued their momentum kicking two unanswered goals and bringing themselves right back into the match.
READ MORE:
The comeback was led by Tarquin Young, who booted two goals with Lachie Kenyon and Domenic Guisa also getting involved.
At three-quarter time the margin had been reduced to 5.2 (32) to 3.2 (20), setting up a thrilling finish.
The final term was a see-sawing battle, with both sides having their turn in attack.
Stawell manage to score one goal, but it wouldn't be enough to erase the first half deficit as Ararat held firm to win 5.3 (33) to 4.2 (26).
After the game Ararat's Reggie Jenkins was named best on ground with Domenic Guisa named Stawell's best player.
OTHER NEWS:
Ararat guest coach and former AFL player Scott Turner, who has been apart of the event for 16 years said it was great to see the players' talent on display.
"The kids get to play in front of a good crowd, on a good track and so it's about enjoying the game, respecting each other and respecting the team they're playing against," he said.
"It's just about representing your town and your league. It's playing at the highest level you can at your age.
"It is just enjoyable to get back and coach and teach the kids where I was a junior myself."
If you are seeing this message you are a loyal digital subscriber to The Ararat Advertiser, as we made this story available only to subscribers. Thank you very much for your support and allowing us to continue telling Ararat's story. We appreciate your support of journalism in our great city.
