Horsham pulled off a mighty upset, defeating the table-topping Rats by 15-points at their home in Ararat, 13.8 (86) to 10.11 (71).
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The win was set up by a barnstorming second quarter, where the visitors restricted the Rats to just one goal, while kicking four of their own.
Veteran Rhona Conboy (four goals) was Horsham's best on ground, with excellent contributions from Cullen Williams and rising stars Matt Wynne and Brody Pope.
Jordan Cox (four goals), Cody Lindsay and Liam Cavanagh toiled hard all day for Ararat, but were unable to overcome the Demons in their backyard.
While the Rats go into the finals with a firm grip on top place and the first round bye, the side has two weeks to iron out any wrinkles.
Up the highway, the Warriors endured another heartbreaking loss on Saturday, going down to Minyip-Murtoa by a solitary point in a 9.10 (64) to 9.9 (63) thriller.
Playing at home, Stawell was confident it could knock down the visiting Burras and claim second place on the ladder.
A four goal to two first quarter helped take a 10-point lead after the first break; however, it was cut down by Minyip-Murtoa to just six points by half-time.
The Burras kicked four goals to two in the third to take an eight-point lead into the final break, setting up a tense finish.
With the mental superiority on the line heading into the finals, Stawell and Minyip-Murtoa battled it out in the final quarter.
The Warriors kicked kicked two goals to the Burras one, but fell short by the smallest of margins.
Stawell's performance being lead by Tom Eckel, Jarrod Stafford and Jackson Dark, while Mitch Thorp booted four goals for the home side.
Mitch Johns (four goals), Jake Ballagh and young gun Oscar Gawith were the Burras' best.
The Eagles kicked five goals to none in the first term and five goals to one in the last to enjoy a big win.
Ryan Mckenzie (seven goals), Jake O'Donnell and Riley Morrow were the pick of the Eagles, while Will Brennan, Angus Martin and Gage Wright were the Saints' best, with Mitch Martin contributing four goals.
The Southern Mallee Giants continued their impressive run of form with a 105-point win over Nhill at Hopetoun, 17.11 (113) to 1.2 (8).
The Giants controlled the game from the opening bounce, restricting the visitors to just one goal.
Riley Cook, Coleman Schache and Ben Webster (six goals) dominated for the home side, while skipper Liam Albrecht combined with Jarryd and Lucas Dahlenburg to give the Tigers some bite.
Netball
Horsham have continued their unbeaten run with a convincing 13-point win over finals fancy Ararat.
Georgia Hiscock and Grace Manserra were named Horsham's best, while Racquel Scott and Tayla Borrelli fought hard for Ararat.
Imogen Worthy found the net 29 times for the Demons, while Laney McLoughlan scored 31 points for the home side.
The Saints have strengthened their hold on second place with a commanding 20-point win over Warrack at ANZAC Park.
The Saints led at every change to notch the 48-28 victory.
Larnie Hobbs and Ash Grace were impressive for the visitors, while young star Jorja Clode slotted 29 goals.
Eilish Flagg and Emma Koschitzke put in a great effort for the Eagles, with Nicola Clyne scoring 24 goals.
Minyip-Murtoa saw off a valiant effort from Stawell, emerging from Central Park 5-point victors, 49-44.
Lucy Brand (27 points) and Faith McKenzie starred for the 2019 premiers, while Tessa O'Callaghan and Madi Taylor were Stawell's best, with shooter Zanaiya Bergen scoring 33.
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Alex Blain
I am a general news/sports journalist with the Wimmera Mail-Times in Horsham. My work has appeared in the Age, the Geelong Advertiser, the Australian, the Jakarta Globe and across the airwaves on Radio Australia.
I am a general news/sports journalist with the Wimmera Mail-Times in Horsham. My work has appeared in the Age, the Geelong Advertiser, the Australian, the Jakarta Globe and across the airwaves on Radio Australia.
Ben Fraser
Ben is the Editor with the Wimmera Mail-Times, Stawell Times-News and Ararat Advertiser. Ben is the former chief of staff at the Portland Observer, a qualified teacher, and an Leadership Great South Coast alumni (2019).
Ben is the Editor with the Wimmera Mail-Times, Stawell Times-News and Ararat Advertiser. Ben is the former chief of staff at the Portland Observer, a qualified teacher, and an Leadership Great South Coast alumni (2019).
