The top of the table clash did not fail to disappoint with the Warriors snaring a one-point, 12.8 (80) to 12.7 (79), much to the delight of the home crowd.

The Warriors trailed by as much as five goals in the second quarter before they managed to turn the tide of the match, just as they did against the Southern Mallee Giants in round four.

After leading by 21 points at half-time Dimboola looked to be in the box seat to remain the only undefeated side in the WFNL senior football, but the Warriors closed the gap to just five points at three-quarter time.

In the final term the Warriors kicked the one extra goal they needed to remain unbeaten and on top of the WFNL senior football ladder.

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Stawell Warriors football department co-manager said he was impressed with the way the Warriors fought back once again.

"It was a close one and we snuck over the line but it was really a game of two halves again," he said.

"They were too good early and we just worked hard and got in front at the right time.

"Their first half, they would've beaten anyone, they were very good and we are probably lucky we have a couple of good defenders who hold their own.

"We knew they're top are good players and we knew if their top got hold of us they would do a fair bit of damage, which they did.

"In the third quarter we started playing the style of footy we want to play.

"We were all pretty positive at half-time and three-quarter time and it was all just about trying to stick to our process."

The Warriors went into the match undersized with Shane Field away, while Toby Oakley has returned home to Portland.

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But the Warriors overcame the size difference, largely thanks to Tom Eckel's sparkling display.

The coach kicked five goals and was named best afield, even after tweaking his ankle against the Giants the week before.

Sam Williams was also one of the Warriors best, the third time already this season.

For Dimboola Jack Landt led the way upfront with three goals, while Darcy Dubois and Jarryd Graham were in the best as they tried to hold on to their fifth win of the season.

In the other round five WFNL senior matches Ararat defeated Warrack by 35 points, 10.18 (78) to 6.7 (43), despite some wayward kicking.

At Coughlin Park the Horsham Saints challenged Minyip-Murtoa and led at half-time but were blown away and went down 8.7 (55) to 18.17 (125).

The Giants were also too good for Nhill winning 15.10 (100) to 5.6 (36), with Lucas Cook booting eight goals.

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