A must-win game for Dimboola has earnt them a double chance in this year’s Wimmera league A Grade finals series.

The Roos defeated Stawell 55-38 at Central Park on Saturday, cementing third spot and booking their place in this Saturday’s qualifying final against Horsham Demons.

Meanwhile for Stawell, it means it will play Ararat in an elimination final at Warracknabeal on Sunday.

The Warriors matched it with Dimboola in the first quarter in a game where the Roos were more determined for the win.

Dimboola got out to a nine-goal lead by half-time, and extended on that in the second half in a whole team effort.

The Roos were led by its two key defenders, Bridget Dorrington and Stephanie Glover, who created many opportunities for their team to attack and score.

Dimboola coach Ant Toet said while the defenders led the way, the Roos’ midcourt players showed patience and persistence, while their goalers worked well together. 

“We focused on making sure we’re trying to be consistent for the whole game without any fades and they did that well,” she said.

“It was a good one to get under our belt leading into finals – obviously third spot was up for grabs, and last time Stawell beat us, so it was a good mental game as well for our girls.”

Rachel Driscoll and Lisa Considine were consistent in defence for Stawell, who will need to dig deep to conjure up a win over Ararat.

The Rats will be keen to rebound after coming off a 65-45 loss to Horsham Saints.

Coach Faith Biddle, in goal defence, and wing attack Jess Taylor played well for Ararat, who could not contain the firepower of the Saints.

Goal defence Maddi Bethune and captain Ash Grace, centre, were best for the home side, who can now enjoy week one of the finals off as they wait for results from this weekend’s matches to find out who they will play in the second semi-final at Dimboola on September 5.

Meanwhile the second-placed Demons scored a 65-58 goal win at Nhill, as Imogen Worthy, in her 100th senior game, dominated with 43 goals.

The Demons were again without Georgia Hiscock, which looks set to be the case for finals, but battled through to get the win against Nhill, who has won only four games this season, but has tested many sides, particularly in the second half of the season.

The Tigers’ second half was impressive, keeping with the Demons as goal attack Abby Croft, with 40 goals, and midcourter Tess McQueen stood out.

In the other game of the final home-and-away round for the season, which had no impact on the finals, saw Warrack Eagles and Minyip-Murtoa play at Minyip.

There were only two goals in it at half-time, but Warrack Eagles, through the work of goal attack Briodi McKenzie and midcourter Lucy Holland, excelled in the second half to score a 44-32 win. 

For a full preview of the top-five teams, see the finals’ liftout inside today’s edition.

The entire August 26, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!