Ararat led 13-12 at quarter time, but thereafter it was all one-way traffic.
The Rats, led by centre Kiarna Taylor and defender Monique Scott, stifled Stawell.
Scott deflected and intercepted passes across her team’s defensive third, while Taylor worked hard to provide an outlet and turn defence into attack.
Ararat added another 13 goals to two in the second quarter to extend their lead to 12, and a 15-7 third term effectively ended any hope of a Stawell comeback.
McLoughlan was the high scorer for the Rats in their eventual 55-29 win, while goal attack Maggie Astbury added 23.
Mitchell was the Warriors’ top scorer with 20, but her team struggled to find other avenues to goal as Madi Taylor, four goals, Jemma Clarkson, three, and Erin Freeland, two, rotated beside her at goal attack.
With four points already under its belt, Ararat can sit back and watch this weekend as the rest of the league’s teams make their season debuts.
Reigning premiers Horsham Saints will begin their title defence with a home game against Warrack Eagles at Coughlin Park.
Last season’s runners-up, Horsham Demons, will also be at home, playing 2025 wooden spooner Minyip-Murtoa.
Nhill will kick off its season with a game against 2025 finalist Southern Mallee Thunder at Davis Park.
– Colin MacGillivray
The entire April 8, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
