Sport
20 June, 2025
Rats blitz Saints to maintain perfect record
A two-week break didn’t deter Ararat as they put on a clinic to defeat the Horsham Saints by 100 points at Alexandra Oval in round eight of the Wimmera Football Netball League.
The Rats were buoyed by the return of Jack Ganley, Matthew Spalding and Sonny Kettle, all of who hadn’t played since round four, and the Rats took the Saints to the sword in the first quarter, holding them goalless while kicking five goals four behinds to take a 34 point lead into quarter-time.
Matthew Spalding and James Jennings were solid in the opening term, providing plenty of drive, while Cody Lindsay dominated in the ruck against Cody Bryan to give the midfielders first use of the ball.
The Rats didn’t stop there, piling on another five goals to one to extend the margin to 61 at half-time.
Like the first quarter, they were relentless in the third, keeping the Saints scoreless to lead by 102 points at three-quarter time.
The Saints outscored the Rats in the last, with the Rats running out 18.14.122 to 3.4.22 winners.
Tom Williamson had another standout game, kicking four goals and being influential in the midfield. Jack Ganley kicked three on his return alongside Ben Taylor while Sonny Kettle also kicked two majors. Brody Griffin, James Jennings, Cody Lindsay, Matthew Spalding, Riley Taylor and Hugh Toner also hit the scoreboard.
Ben Taylor continued his excellent season in the midfield getting plenty of the ball while Jake Robinson, Cody Lindsay, Brody Griffin, Jacob Bates and Riley Taylor were also among the better players on the ground.
Rats coach Tom Mills said they trained hard during the week and wanted to come out and make a statement.
“We made a point on Tuesday night at training that we will have a big session during the week as we knew we were underdone,” Mills said.
“We made a point that we had to be hungry and stay hungry to send a message to everyone, and the boys took it on board, and it was the best win we have had all season.”
The only disappointing thing about the win was being outscored in the last quarter.
“The goal was to have a four-quarter performance, but in fairness, the wind was strong and it was still a solid win,” Mills said.
Mills credited Cody Lindsay for his game in the ruck, Riley Taylor for his running game on the wing and Ben Taylor for continuing his stellar season.
“Cody was really good and played all four quarters and didn’t have a spell, so I was proud of his effort,” Mills said.
“Riley plays the wing role well and has played that way for a long time. He has had some injury trouble over recent years but happy to see him play consistent football. He is a great player and plays that role beautifully.
“Ben Taylor was sensational. The work he puts in during the week with his craft and fitness is second to none. He is so much fitter than everyone and his skills are fantastic, and he is hard to stop.”
The Rats face a challenge tomorrow, traveling to Davis Park to take on second-placed Nhill. Nhill sits in second spot on the ladder with only one loss for the season.
The Rats will welcome back Adam Haslett while Ethan Summers should also be back. Drew Schneider is one of the form forwards in the competition, kicking 24 goals in seven games, 13 of which have come in the last three.
Jake McQueen is also one of the best players in the competition across half-forward and through the midfield.
Mills said that Schneider is a tricky matchup and what they do with McQueen will all be on how he lines up.
“Schneider is a strong player with good pace, so the best matchup may be Jim Jennings, or someone similar,” Mills said.
“Jake is a good runner and can play forward or midfield and their ruck, Will Batson is also a strong player so Cody will have a big job on him.
“We have an important eight weeks coming up without a bye, so we need to keep doing what we are doing, and Nhill plays their ground very well so it will be a tough match.”
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