Rats reign supreme in grand final rematch

The Ararat Rats keep marching on and celebrated Baydn Cosgriff’s 100th senior game in style, this time dismantling fellow premiership contender the Southern Mallee Thunder by 52 points at Alexandra Oval in round six of the Wimmera Football Netball League.

By Chris Graetz

Rats' Baydn Cosgriff battles for the ball in his 100th senior game. PHOTO: CHRIS GRAETZ

Despite missing players Jack Ganley, Harry Ganley Patrick Toner, Ethan Summers, Sonny Kettle, Matt Spalding, and Riley Taylor, the Rats came out strong with the breeze and within the first two minutes, Ben Taylor kicked the first goal of the game.

The Thunder brought a lot of pressure and were able to respond six minutes later through Zachary Robins.

The Rats started to get on top around the contest and were able to nullify the Thunder, and Henry Shea snapped their second goal. Naish McRoberts and Alex Van Opstal hit the scoreboard to finish the quarter, and the Rats took a 20-point lead into quarter time.

The Rats then showed why they are premiership favourites with a blistering second quarter against the breeze.

Tom Williamson kicked the first goal of the quarter, followed by Hugh Toner and Brody Griffin. Late in the quarter, Toner kicked his second, but the special moment came in the final minutes when debutant Darcy Aitkin kicked a goal, with the whole team getting around him to celebrate as the Rats took a 50-point lead into halftime.

The Thunder came out strong in the third quarter, but the Rats were stronger with the breeze with Brody Griffin, Ben Taylor and Jacob Bates hitting the scoreboard to give the Rats a 65-point lead at the final break.

The Thunder fought hard in the last quarter, with the Rats taking their foot off the pedal. The Thunder kicked three goals to one.

Henry Shea kicked his third goal late in the quarter for the Rats as they ran out 13.11.89 to 5.7.37 winners.

Hugh Toner was one of the Rats best players with Henry Shea, Jacob Bates and the returning James Jennings all solid.

Cody Lindsay was fantastic in the ruck against Jake Garvey while James Hosking continues to impress across halfback.

The only downside from the match was a shoulder injury to Tom Mills, with a prognosis unknown at the time of writing.

Coach Tom Mills said it was a bit disappointing the way they finished the game, but liked the way they opened, especially in the second quarter.

“In previous weeks we have been really good and have finished games off strong, so it’s something to look at as we don’t want to fizzle out and finish games off strongly,” Mills said.

“In the first quarter, the Thunder were filling a hole, and it took us time to adjust and work around that and once we figured it out and lowered our eyes we got on top.

“Against the wind in the second quarter, we built the ball up and gave us a chance to press and defend in our half and we were able to hold them and played smart football.”

Mills said that Aitken in his first game played well.

“He came to us by luck as a few blokes from Ballarat played cricket with him and brought him down,” Mills said.

“He is originally an Ararat junior and played in a senior flag for the Eagles and plays a tough brand of football.

“He was playing great football in the reserves, and we gave him a chance, and he did well across half-forward.”

James Hosking played another solid game across halfback and Mills spoke about his performance and the performance of Hugh Toner, who is adjusting to playing up forward.

“James is a tough player in and under and defended well and he is always desperate to beat his opponent, and he is playing well,” Mills said.

“Hugh has grown up playing halfback and is now playing half-forward/centre half forward and is still trying to find his feet.

“He is the main man up forward and keeps flying for his marks and is hard to stop and he also can chop out in the ruck, so he is super important.”

Tomorrow Ararat travels to the Murtoa Recreation Reserve to take on Minyip Murtoa, another team that is challenging for the top three.

Riley Taylor and Matt Spalding will be back, and Mills said stopping the Burras run will be important, especially with Luke Fisher and Kade Petering dangerous with their run.

“Slowing them down at the stoppages and clearances is going to be very important,” Mills said.

“They have a lot of run so we need to get the game on our terms.”

Backman Timothy Mackenzie who occasionally plays in the ruck, and midfielder/half-back Timothy McIntyre are in good form now and bring a lot to the Burras, so nullifying their influence will also go a long way to winning the match.