Those hoping Ararat might be satisfied to rest on its laurels after two straight Wimmera Football Netball League senior premierships were left disappointed after round one of the 2025 season, with the Rats dismantling Horsham by 148 points on Saturday.

The Rats had their first goal on the board a minute into the game when Jack Ganley marked in the goal square and converted – a sign of things to come.

Ararat booted a perfect 10.0 in the first quarter and extended its lead at every change to run away with a 32.12 (204) to 8.8 (56) win.

Ganley, with seven goals, was judged best afield, but there were winners across the ground for the Rats.

Tom Mills formed a dangerous double act with Ganley, kicking nine majors, and midfielder Tom Williamson got in on the act with five.

Also impressive was ruckman Cody Lindsay, while Brayden Draffin was resolute in defence.

On a difficult day for the Demons it was the likes of Billy Carberry and Tyler Blake, alongside younger players such as Ben Janetzki, who played best.

After falling just short against the Rats in last season’s grand final, the Southern Mallee Thunder opened their account for 2025 with a loss to Stawell in a heavyweight meeting at Beulah.

The Warriors got the jump on the Thunder, booting six goals to two in the first term and fending off any comeback attempts to win 16.12 (108) to 13.9 (87).

After booting more than 100 goals for Horsham District league side Swifts last season, Paul Summers picked up right where he left off with nine majors for Stawell, while Josh Fowkes rucked strongly and Zach Marrow led the back line.

Brayden Ison made a solid debut for the Thunder after crossing from Rupanyup, kicking three goals, while Kai Sheers, Coleman Schache and Lou White were the team’s other top performers.

Nhill, which last year made its first finals appearance in 14 seasons, started its quest for back-to-back top-five berths positively, beating the Horsham Saints 13.8 (86) to 6.9 (45) at Coughlin Park.

The Tigers restricted the Saints to a single point in the first quarter and their defensive pressure hardly relented as key defender Liam Albrecht and centreman Deek Roberts came to the fore, while recruit Darcy Reid kicked two goals in a forward pocket.

The Saints were best served by Jacob O’Beirne and Corey Morgan, with Cody Bryan’s two goals making him the team’s only multiple-goal kicker.

Minyip-Murtoa also opened its season on the right foot, beating Dimboola 17.9 (111) to 10.10 (70) at Minyip.

Oscar Gawith showed why he is regarded as one of the competition’s brightest young stars with a six-goal haul, while fellow Burras Tim Mackenzie and Tim and Ben McIntyre also shone.

Dylan Landt, Simon Hobbs and Andrew Moore were the Roos’ top players, with Jackson Calder and Jayden Kuhne kicking three goals each.

Ararat will play Stawell in a Good Friday clash at Alexandra Oval in Ararat.

After an early break for Easter, the competition will resume with an Anzac Day meeting between the Horsham Demons and Horsham Saints at Horsham City Oval.

The following day, April 26, will see Warrack Eagles play their first game of the season against Southern Mallee Thunder at Warracknabeal’s Anzac Park, while Stawell Warriors host Minyip-Murtoa and Dimboola is at home to Ararat.

The entire April 16, 2025 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!