The Demons took to the court with the knowledge that any points dropped would see them gift Minyip-Murtoa the minor premiership.
Emma Buwalda quickly went to work building an unassailable lead, collecting 10 goals in the first term for her Demons.
The Rats returned to the court for the second term determined but were quickly struck by injury.
Coach Taylor Mason went down with an apparent groin injury midway through the term, forcing a re-shuffle of the Ararat lineup, said Rats captain Jess Williamson.
"Taylor Mason went down which meant we had to change the dynamics of our team around," she said. "It doesn't seem to be too serious, so hopefully she's okay to play next week."
Racquel Scott moved back into defence, and Tayla Borelli came off the bench and straight into the middle of the court.
The Rats fought back to be only three-goals behind at half-time.
"Horsham are obviously the team to beat this year," Williamson said. "They are pretty accurate shooters, and we probably just didn't utilise all the balls that we had. We probably turned it over a bit too much."
Horsham drew away in the third term, dampening any hopes of an Ararat comeback.
Any slim hopes of a Rats' resurgence left with goalie Megan Shea when she was forced from the court at the start of the final quarter.
Shea, with ice strapped to her calf, was left to watch on as the Demons' stars flexed their muscle.
Georgia Hiscock went head-to-head with Ararat's young attacker Delaney McLoughlan in an exciting matchup. The two were named their side's best.
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Matt Currill
Matt covers the Ballarat Football Netball League and cricket. Get in touch at matt.currill@thecourier.com.au
Matt covers the Ballarat Football Netball League and cricket. Get in touch at matt.currill@thecourier.com.au
