The Warrack Eagles have ended their winless start to the season, holding out in a thriller to claim a 15-point victory against Dimboola.
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In a game where the lead changed hands seven times, it was the Warrack Eagles who came out on top when the final siren sounded.
Warrack Eagles coach Ryan McKenzie said he was relieved at the end of the game.
"It feels good. It was obviously a tight game, and Dimboola put in a spirited effort, and it was tight contest all day," he said.
"It had been a bit of a slow start to the season, and when you're 0-3 you obviously need a win, so hopefully it can kickstart our season a bit."
Dimboola threatened to take the game away early after a six-goal opening term, including a Matt Rosier brace, gave the Roos a 41-20 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The Warrack Eagles responded in the second quarter, restricting the Roos to only eight points, while Dalton Jaensch and Charlie Penny fired at the other end of the field.
"You take confidence from it. When you've got a few young ones in your side I suppose confidence is a pretty key part of the way you want to play your footy," McKenzie said.
"Hopefully they've got a bit of belief now and realise that we're a good side and can continue to play well."
There were six lead changes in the third quarter as both defensive lines tired and the forwards capitalised on some slick ball movement up the field.
Dimboola entered the final term holding a three-point lead but struggled against a tenacious home side.
The Warrack Eagles kicked three unanswered goals to start the fourth quarter and didn't let the lead slip.
Nick Peters' efforts in the comeback saw him named the Warrack Eagles' best, alongside young gun Dane Stewart, who kicked two goals.
McKenzie said Stewart stood out early in his senior career.
"We've got some good young ones," he said. "There's three or four of them that are playing their first senior games this year, and they're doing a good job."
In an upset result, Stawell defeated reigning premiers Horsham by 24 points.
Jay Moody was named the Warriors' best in the 9.16 (70) to 6.10 (46) win.
Deek Roberts, with 2, was the only Horsham player to kick multiple goals.
Elsewhere, Minyip-Murtoa continued their perfect start to the season after an 11-point win against the Southern Mallee Giants.
New recruit Ben McIntyre starred for the Burras, bagging four goals in a performance that saw him named the best.
On the other end of the spectrum, Ararat suffered their first defeat of the season in a tight contest against the Horsham Saints.
The Rats lead 46-39 at half-time, but only kicked two more goals for the remainder of the game.
Jacob O'Beirne was the Saints' best and was well supported by Alex McRae, who bagged two goals.
The Saints won 64-61.
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