Tatyoon’s remarkable Mininera and District Football League revival faces its ultimate test this weekend in a meeting with the ladder-leading Ararat Eagles.

The Hawks have made a dramatic turnaround after a rocky start to 2025, and entered the top five for the first time this season after a thrilling 11.7 (73) to 10.9 (69) win over Hawkesdale-Macarthur on the road on Saturday.

The sides were never separated by more than a goal at any change, with the Hawks kicking 5.2 to 4.2 in a tense final-term shootout to snatch the victory after a relatively low-scoring first three quarters.

Thomas Quick was named best afield for the victors, but skipper Josh Bibby showed the consistent leadership he has displayed all season with a team-high three goals, while Josh Lee and coach Andy Challis added two apiece.

Josh Brown, Cameron Anderson and Thomas Bartlett were other top performers for the team, which has now won its past five games after managing only one win and a draw from its first seven matches.

While the Hawks have gained a tenuous foothold in the top five, their ability to keep themselves there will be put to the test this Saturday at Tatyoon Recreation Reserve as they welcome the Eagles.

Ararat shook off its first loss of the year against reigning premier Penshurst in round 12, bouncing back to defeat Glenthompson-Dunkeld 8.8 (56) to 3.11 (29) in a scrappy, low-scoring game at Alexandra Oval.

The Eagles were shut out in the first quarter as the visiting Rams kicked a wasteful 2.6, but dominant second and fourth quarters were enough to get the home side over the line.

Zach Louder was the hero with four goals for Ararat, while defenders Aaron Watts and Adrian Reid and midfielder Jake Peters played strong supporting roles.

Moyston-Willaura was rewarded for a season of toil with its second win in a tense game against Caramut on Saturday.

With both teams out of finals contention there was simply pride to play for, and the Pumas grabbed the early ascendancy with a 6.0 to 1.5 first quarter before holding on as the Swans mounted a comeback to win 11.8 (74) to 9.13 (67).

Ned Bohner and Brad Uwland were superb across half-back for the Pumas, with coach Rhys Cronin providing a match-winning four-goal haul up forward and Kaiden Cooper and Ryan Heard getting involved in the play.

While Moyston-Willaura celebrated its second win of a difficult season, Great Western’s year took another disappointing turn as the Lions failed to register a score in a 22.17 (149) to 0.0 (0) defeat at the hands of Lismore-Derrinallum.

While the Lions had been one of the league’s lowest-scoring sides this season, they had never failed to register at least four goals in a game until Saturday.

There were few winners on a dismal day for Great Western, although the likes of Jayden McCartney and Ryan Nellthorp turned in creditable efforts.

Other results at the weekend saw Penshurst 23.14 (152) defeat Wickliffe-Lake Bolac 5.7 (37) and SMW Rovers 11.5 (71) down Woorndoo-Mortlake 8.16 (64).

With three rounds remaining Ararat Eagles remain atop the ladder with a 12-1 record, while Tatyoon is two premiership points ahead of Wickliffe-Lake Bolac in fifth place as the finals race continues to gather momentum.

– Colin MacGillivray

The entire July 30, 2025 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire July 30, 2025 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!