The Warriors jumped out of the blocks at Coughlin Park against Horsham Saints, creating a buffer they could hold on to.

Stawell had won just one first quarter from their first five games of the year, but booted three goals to one against the Saints to break away early on Saturday.

"We were finally able to get the winning score in the first quarter which is what what we were aiming to do," Stawell coach Damian Joiner said.

"Last week in particular we were poor so we managed to turn that around and start really well."

It was in the third term when the Warriors broke the game apart, extending a 15-point half-time lead to 47 points heading into the final quarter.

The Warriors ran on to win 15.11 (101) to 8.10 (58).

Joiner said there was a good intensity from his team against the Saints.

"There was a really good attack on the ball, the work rate was right up there and our runners were able to work into space and do some damage," he said.

"Things evened out a bit in the second quarter but everytime they kicked a goal we kicked one back which was really good. Then in the third we were able to create a bit of a gap."

Despite the solid win, Joiner said there is still room to improve.

"We played one really good quarter and three average ones. We need to stop lapses in games," he said.

"The Saints are a quality team though so to be able to implement our game style over the top of theirs was good."

The Warriors were down key forward David Andrivon, but Cody Driscoll was able to stand up with a six-goal haul, taking him to 15 goals from four games.

Midfielder Cam Kimber also missed with a shoulder concern, but the likes of Tom Taurau, Tom Eckel and Jamie Bach were able to lead the Warriors in the middle.

The two sides were level on points going into the game, with Stawell breaking away to 16 points ahead of a week off next weekend.

Despite sitting third with a good percentage, Joiner said it is far too early to be thinking about finals football just yet.

"Early wins in the season are imperative but we aren't looking that far ahead yet. Like that old footy cliche, we are taking it just one week at a time."

Stawell takes on Dimboola in two weeks time.

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday morning from the Stawell Times-News. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Northern Grampians shire, sign up here.