Sport
17 April, 2026
Warriors prepared for Eagles challenge
Following a week off, the Stawell Warriors senior footballers and A-Grade netballers are firmly focused on the task ahead as they prepare to travel to Warracknabeal tomorrow.
The senior football side enters the clash full of confidence after a strong win over Ararat, while Warracknabeal comes off a 43-point loss to the Horsham Saints.
Warracknabeal will present a different challenge this season, boasting a refreshed lineup that includes several recruits from Adelaide, notably former Brisbane Lion Connor McFadyen.
Warriors co-coach James Sullivan said his side is eager to get back on the field.
“We knew from a long way out what the start of the season looked like, and we were extremely happy to get the win on Good Friday,” Sullivan said.
“We had a recovery-based session the following Tuesday and then got back into our normal rhythm.”
Sullivan said the break gave his side a valuable opportunity to assess their upcoming opponent.
“They have a few new players and have recruited well,” he said.
“We’re fortunate that we were able to watch them first rather than playing them straight up without knowing what to expect. We have some plans in place.”
The Warriors are likely to make minimal changes to the side that defeated Ararat. Ethan Marrow is expected to miss after suffering an ankle injury in the second quarter, with the full extent of the damage still unknown.
Meanwhile, Harry Grintell continues his return from osteitis pubis, having played last weekend. At the time of writing, it remains unclear whether he will line up for Werribee in the VFL or be available for the Warriors.
In the A-Grade netball, the Warriors will be looking to bounce back against a youthful Warracknabeal lineup. The Eagles were defeated by 38 points by the Horsham Saints but showed promise, scoring 34 goals against one of the competition’s benchmark teams.
Co-coach Jemma Clarkson said they are raring to go.
“We watched round one with keen interest, and it’s good to get a look at where teams are sitting,” she said.
“Warrack has improved, and like us, they have some returning players, and Emma Koschitzke back in the mix is huge for them.
“It will be nice to step out on court again. We focused on going back to basics at training. We need to find space on the court and make sure that we are driving and giving more than one option.
“We have a versatile team and are still working on connections, so it may take time to get there, but we are looking forward to getting out on court again.”
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