Sport
6 August, 2025
Mills kicks six as Rats make statement
With finals approaching, and a tough victory against the Thunder the week before, Ararat made a statement to the rest of the competition with a 72-point win over one of the challengers, Minyip Murtoa, at Alexandra Oval in round 15 of the Wimmera Football Netball League.
Tom Mills returned from injury, and after having an injury-interrupted season, he hit the scoreboard with six majors.
The Rats dominated the opening quarter, with Sonny Kettle kicking the first within the first minute, before the Rats kicked five more goals to two to lead by 28 points at quarter-time.
The Burras were more competitive in the second quarter, despite the Rats extending the lead to 45 points at half-time.
Minyip Murtoa kicked the opening two goals of the third quarter, but as all good teams do, the Rats responded, kicking four unanswered goals to take a 59-point lead into three-quarter time.
The Burras ran the game out hard in the last, starting it well, just like the third, but it was the Rats that were too good, winning 18.15.123 to 8.3.51.
Tom Williamson kicked three goals for the Rats, with Jack Ganley, Luke Spalding and Hugh Toner kicking two each.
Sonny Kettle was brilliant up forward and through the midfield and was named best-on-ground, with James Jennings, Luke Spalding, Patrick Toner, Jake Robinson and Naish McRoberts named among the best players.
Co-coach Tom Mills was thrilled with the start, considering the tough game they played the week before against the Thunder.
“We tried to manage it the best we could during the week and had a pretty light week at training to freshen up, and we were able to start well, which is awesome,” Mills said.
“The win was a great result going into the bye this weekend, as we had a tough draw the last seven to eight weeks.”
Mills spoke about the lapses at the start of the third and fourth quarters.
“The first five minutes in both quarters, we probably weren’t having a crack, and let them play on their terms,” Mills said.
“To the boys' credit, they wrestled it back and ran out both quarters strong.”
Mills was pleased with Sonny Kettle’s game, and also Luke Spalding, who returned to the senior lineup after playing two games in the reserves following a hamstring injury.
“Sonny played well and was good the week before in Jeparit, and being able to play inside or outside, he is a good asset to have,” Mills said.
“He is starting to hit his straps at the right time of the year, and his versatility is going to be important.
“Luke [Spalding] played a different role on the wing, and he used his run and carry and skills to good use.”
The Rats will enjoy the bye this weekend and will prepare for a battle with the Horsham Saints at Coughlin Park the following week.
The good news for the Rats is that Baydn Cosgriff, Henry Shea, Brayden Draffin and Jacob Bates could return, which will give the Rats a full-strength squad for the first time this season.
Read More: Ararat