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IN THIS FEATURE: Lauren Henry previews the top-five Wimmera football and netball teams ahead of finals

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Wednesday, August 26, 2026 – WFNL finals

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WFNL FINALS

Southern Mallee Thunder

High-level

Southern Mallee Thunder’s road to the finals Coach: Jake Bridges Round 1: L. 6.7 (43) to Nhill 6.15 (51). Away. Round 2: W. 12.14 (86) d Minyip-Murtoa 7.11 (53). Home. Round 3: W. 6.17 (53) d Horsham Saints 6.7 (43). Away. Round 4: W. 11.12 (78) d Stawell 9.9 (63). Home. Round 5: W. 16.13 (109) d Dimboola 1.7 (13). Away. Round 6: W. 8.14 (62) d Ararat 8.8 (56). Home. Round 7: L. 8.11 (59) to Warrack Eagles 10.11 (71). Away. Round 8: W. 9.14 (68) d Horsham 6.7 (43). Home. Round 9: Bye. Round 10: L. 8.5 (53) to Nhill 12.12 (84). Home. Round 11: W. 16.13 (109) d Minyip-Murtoa 7.5 (47). Away. Round 12: L. 3.8 (26) to Horsham Saints 8.12 (60). Home.** Round 13: L. 9.6 (60) to Stawell Warriors 12.13 (85). Away. Round 14: W. 20.13 (133) d Dimboola 4.2 (26). Home.* Round 15: L. 6.13 (49) to Ararat 23.17 (155). Away. Round 16: W. 13.15 (93) d Warrack Eagles 7.11 (53). Home. Round 17: L. 7.6 (48) to Horsham Demons 11.15 (81). Away. Round 18: Bye.

team finishing in fifth position may not seem a huge premiership threat in many people’s eyes, but never discount Southern Mallee Thunder.

Zach Robins

*Highest score. ** Lowest score. Total: Won: 9. Lost: 7. For: 1129. Against: 984. Points: 36. Percentage: 117.4.

Leading goal-kickers Bailey Edwards Sheers 16.

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The Thunder have finished the season with nine wins and seven losses in 2026 – just one win fewer than last year – and find themselves having to work through the finals series the hard way if they are to make another grand final. But one thing Wimmera league followers know is the Thunder is a proud club with high-level expectations, and once finals start, it is game on again. Thunder director of coaching Jake Bridges said he would wait until the team’s season was officially finished to review and rate its season – until then he would solely focus on his job as coach. “Every team sets out to win games and play well and make finals,” he said. “The goal is just to prepare as best as you can for first final versus Nhill, and then everything else is out of your control really. “ I just think you put a blanket over everyone in the finals, to be honest. I think everyone on the day can probably win it.” An aspect of the Thunder’s season that Bridges was most proud of was how many youngsters received an opportunity to play senior football and develop. “I’m pretty confident in saying we probably played the most players of any Wimmera team – getting games into 16, 17, 18-year-old players who probably haven’t played a lot of that level footy,” he said. Bridges said seeing young players develop and build confidence so they knew they could play at senior level was fulfilling. “I think that’s probably one thing that I’ve really enjoyed,” he said.

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Southern Mallee Thunder

expectations

3WM Local Footy Live’s Hugh Doc’s players to watch Kieran Delahunty

Bridges said like any team, the Thunder had to deal with challenges such as injury, continuity of performance and consistency throughout the season. After losing their round-one match to Nhill by eight points, the Thunder went on to win five games straight, including knocking over Horsham Saints and Stawell. However, after beating rivals Ararat by six points in round six, the Thunder endured a topsy-turvy second half of the season, with some unexpected losses including to two teams outside the top five, Warrack Eagles and Horsham Demons. In a worrying trend, it also hasn’t beaten a top-five team since Ararat in May. While the Thunder’s performances this season have relied on the likes of brothers Billy and Matty Lloyd, Bridges said his focus rested on the performance of the team as a whole. Matty has averaged 26 disposals this season, including 12 contested possessions, six clearances and two goals. Premier Data statistics for Billy, the captain, have been a little lower with 22 disposals and seven clearances from his 12 games. “I think at the end of the day it’s just about the group coming together to play really good footy, and sometimes it’s not relying on one or two players to have standout games,” Bridges said. It was Bridges’ first year at the club, taking over as coach from Kieran Delahunty who remains a key player for Thunder. The Ballarat-based coach said he had been impressed by the community feel of the club, and how it united despite being geographically spread out across four home grounds. “They all come together, and footy is one of those great things that unites people – that’s definitely been a humbling experience being the coach,” Bridges said. The Thunder will play Nhill in an elimination final at Anzac Park, Warracknabeal on Sunday.

Bringing experience and footy IQ, Delahunty offers a match-changing ability that will give Thunder fans hope heading into any finals match this post-season. The ruckman often provides his midfield with first use of the football along with the rare ability to be involved at ground level, giving the Thunder another number around the contest.

Matty Lloyd Dangerous and full of X-factor, Lloyd will head into the finals campaign as a must-watch player who can produce highlight moments from thin air. Averaging 26 disposals a game to go along with his 29-goal season, Lloyd can be impactful around the contest and create for team-mates or head forward where he has the ability to change the game in a matter of minutes.

Billy Lloyd Consistency and composure is what Billy Lloyd brings to the Southern Mallee midfield, averaging 22 disposals a game in the 2026 home-and-away season. Lloyd is a bull around the contest, ranking as one of the competition’s elite in both clearances and tackles, showcasing his two-way ability.

Bailey Edwards

Matty Lloyd

Your home for football season 2026 is here!

The key forward has shown he has the ability to kick goals and take strong marks in his first season in the Wimmera league. Edwards can be the main man in the forward line, while also contributing up the ground as a secondary ruck. Edwards will give the Thunder a consistent goal-kicking option and set them up for a deep finals run.

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WFNL FINALS ‘Going in the Proudly brought to you by:

Nhill Tigers

Nhill’s

road to the finals

Coaches: Jake McQueen, Trevor Ryan

Round 1: W. 6.15 (51) d Southern Mallee Thunder 6.7 (43). Home ** Round 2: Bye. Round 3: W. 12.16 (88) d Minyip-Murtoa 6.9 (45). Away. Round 4: L. 10.20 (80) to Horsham Saints 16.10 (106). Home. Round 5: L. 9.11 (65) to Stawell 12.9 (81). Away. Round 6: W. 23.17 (155) d Dimboola 1.1 (7). Home.* Round 7: L. 9.9 (63) to Ararat 9.15 (69). Away. Round 8: W. 13.11 (89) d Warrack Eagles 9.5 (59). Home. Round 9: W. 19.7 (121) d Horsham 9.10 (64). Away. Round 10: W. 12.12 (84) d Southern Mallee Thunder 8.5 (53). Away. Round 11: Bye. Round 12: W. 11.10 (76) d Minyip-Murtoa 4.4 (28). Home. Round 13: L. 18.4 (112) to Horsham Saints 18.7 (115). Away. Round 14: W. 11.13 (79) d Stawell Warriors 6.12 (48). Home. Round 15: W. 15.14 (104) d Dimboola 3.4 (22). Away. Round 16: W. 10.11 (71) d Ararat 9.13 (67). Home. Round 17: L. 12.10 (82) to Warrack Eagles 14.9 (93). Away. Round 18: W. 19.11 (125) d Horsham Demons 3.12 (30). Home. *Highest score. ** Lowest score. Total: Won: 11. Lost: 5. For: 1445. Against: 930. Points: 44. Percentage: 155.38.

fter adding to its playing stocks following last year’s preliminary final loss, Nhill was tipped to go one better in 2026.

Lucas Dahlenburg

Leading goal-kickers

Jake McQueen 41, Drew Schneider 22, Tom Wheaton 22, Xavier Bone 21, Josh Ryan 20.

But such is the competitiveness of the Wimmera league this season, that Nhill now finds itself in an elimination final this weekend. One loss – against Warrack Eagles in round 17 – has somewhat derailed the Tigers’ plans and cost them third spot and a double chance in the finals. So the big question remains: can a team in fourth spot secure a place in the grand final? For coaches Jake McQueen and Trevor Ryan, and many at the Tigers, they dare to dream of what would be a historic premiership if Nhill remains alive. McQueen remains positive about the Tigers’ chances, describing the Warrack loss as ‘a hiccup’ in an otherwise impressive six weeks for his team. “We’re definitely going in the right direction,” he said. “We obviously wanted to make finals, so we can tick that off. “But we’ve got expectations to try and go as far as we can. We obviously made a preliminary last year, so to go one better would be the ideal situation, to make a granny and hopefully win it. “I’m pretty happy with where we’re sitting because it’s a pretty close comp this year, so any of the top five could probably win it.” McQueen said the win against Ararat in round 16 showed the Tigers could match it against the top teams. “If we bring our A game, we know we can beat anyone,” he said.

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Recruit Lachie Gill, star Frazer Driscoll and Xavier Bone have been standout players in McQueen’s eyes this season. Gill leads the Tigers in the Premier Data statistics, averaging 29 disposals this season, with nine contested, while Lucas Dahlenburg averages 24 disposals, 13 contested, plus eight tackles and six clearances. “Lachie Gill, one of our recruits, has been a ripping get – he provides a lot of run and good ball use off the half-back flank,” McQueen said. “Frazer, since he’s come back from injury, he’s been good and just instrumental – he’s just a big presence on the ground. “And Xavier Bone has had a really good year – his pressure around the ball and smarts around goals has been excellent.” Nhill has a couple of injury concerns heading into finals, with Peter Politis and Daniel Batson under an injury cloud. As for who McQueen thinks will be the biggest challenge in the finals’ series, he said Ararat was still the favourite. “Ararat’s definitely the benchmark, and we haven’t beat Saints as we’re 0-2 against them, so they’re a good opponent too,” he said. “It’s a pretty close competition between the top five. Anyone could win it on their day. “So we’ve just got to keep winning game after game.” The Tigers’ wins will need to start this Sunday, when they take on Southern Mallee Thunder in an elimination final at Warracknabeal’s Anzac Park. The two sides last met in round 10, with Nhill recording a 31-point win at Hopetoun.

Nhill Tigers 3WM Local Footy Live’s Hugh Doc’s players to watch Lachie Gill Gill is a ball magnet utilised as a link between defence and attack for the Tigers, his high-level skills and composure often getting his side out of high-pressure situations. Gill collects the footy for fun, averaging 28 disposals a game while being the creator that has allowed the Tigers to play fast and fun footy in 2026.

Jake McQueen The Tigers’ co-coach has spent more time forward of the football in 2026 to become one of the competition’s biggest threats inside the forward 50. McQueen has 34 goals to his name this season, while still impacting the game up the ground thanks to his elite work rate that often sees him break away from opposing defenders.

Frazer Driscoll The Tigers’ Swiss Army knife with the ability to play any position on the ground, Driscoll has been dominant to finish the home-and-away season after an injury-riddled year. Driscoll has played in just nine games this season but has found success as a midfielder in the Tigers’ most recent match-ups thanks to his ability to win the ball and toughness around the contest.

Josh Ryan Lachie Gill

After joining Nhill in round nine, Ryan has proven to be a dynamic forward to pair up with McQueen, giving the Tigers a one-two punch that gives any coach headaches going into game day. Ryan is a high-level athlete with strong hands and the ability to kick accurately in front of goals, which saw him kick six against Horsham Saints in round 13.

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Stawell Warriors

Stawell’s road to the finals

Coaches: James Sullivan, Perry Meka

Round 1: W. 11.20 (86) d Ararat 12.9 (81). Home. Round 2: W. 14.15 (99) d Warrack Eagles 12.3 (75). Away. Round 3: W. 14.17 (101) d Horsham 6.3 (39). Away. Round 4: L. 9.9 (63) to Southern Mallee Thunder 11.12 (78). Away. Round 5: W. 12.9 (81) d Nhill 9.11 (65). Home. Round 6: W. 10.8 (68) d Minyip-Murtoa 7.12 (54). Away. Round 7: L. 10.9 (69) to Horsham Saints 12.10 (82). Home. Round 8: Bye. Round 9: W. 12.14 (86) d Dimboola 4.7 (31). Away. Round 10: L. 14.10 (94) to Ararat 14.15 (99). Away. Round 11: W. 16.7 (103) d Warrack Eagles 8.10 (58). Home. Round 12: W. 13.12 (90) d Horsham Demons 4.9 (33). Home. Round 13: W. 12.13 (85) d Southern Mallee Thunder 9.6 (60). Home. Round 14: L. 6.12 (48) to Nhill 11.13 (79). Away.** Round 15: W. 20.13 (133) d Minyip-Murtoa 9.4 (58). Home. Round 16: W. 11.8 (74) d Horsham Saints 10.13 (73). Away. Round 17: Bye. Round 18: W. 22.21 (153) d Dimboola 6.1 (37). Home.*

strong belief in their gameplan, personnel and ability to win holds Stawell in good stead for this year’s finals series.

*Highest score. ** Lowest score. Total: Won: 12. Lost: 4. For: 1433. Against: 1002. Points: 48. Percentage: 143.01.

Tom Eckel

Leading goal-kickers Paul Summers 63, Cody Driscoll 42, Sunny Brazier 26

The Warriors have finished third on the ladder, earning a place in Saturday’s qualifying final at Beulah. While Stawell’s sights are firmly set on the business end of the season, their success was hatched when co-coaches James Sullivan and Perry Meka took over at the helm in the 2025 pre-season. The pair created a two-year plan to deliver the club success – which included a new game plan and adding the right personnel. “Last year obviously we made the finals and then went out in the elimination final, and off the back of that we knew where we were at, but we knew the areas we needed to improve on as well,” Sullivan said. “Coming into the year we probably had an internal goal of being in that top three and obviously giving ourselves that double chance in finals. With the experience that myself and Perry had gained from other leagues and VFL, there were a few changes we wanted to bring in and last year was about learning a few of those things.”

Sullivan said Stawell had added another layer to the development of its game plan and personnel depth this year – targeting people they knew were going to help in specific areas they needed to improve on. “As the year panned out, we thought that we were in a pretty good position and we were pretty confident and had good belief in what we had,” he said. “Seeing where we are at the moment, we’ve beaten every side in the competition – and obviously other sides will be saying the same thing – but there’s an incredible belief within the group that we’ve got what it takes.” Sullivan said the Warriors’ comeback win over Horsham Saints in round 16, as well as their victory over Ararat in round one, were highlights. He said consistency and a fourquarter performance were key to Stawell’s chances of premiership success. “I’ve always said the Wimmera footy league’s a great competition and there’s no easy games in football, so you’ve always got to have the right mindset,” he said. “But the thing we’ve probably been really chasing is that fourquarter effort.

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“We’re hitting our best footy at moments throughout games, but there’s probably only been a couple of games I think we’ve actually strung the four quarters together and they’re the games that we look back on and feel if we can do that in the finals, we’ll be in pretty good shape.” Sullivan acknowledged ruckman Josh Fowkes, seven-time club best-and-fairest winner Tom Eckel and classy midfielder Sunny Brazier had been standouts for the Warriors, but the team’s depth had added to its success. Eckel leads Stawell in disposals, averaging 27, including 13 contested possessions, and eight clearances a game. Brazier similarly averages 13 contested possessions and seven clearances, with a disposal count of 21. But leading the Premier Data player ranking points for Stawell is Fowkes – while he doesn’t have the same high disposal rate, his work around the ground is evident, averaging four tackles and leading the Warriors in onepercent acts. “I think for us this year it’s probably been the consistency across the group – I don’t know the exact numbers, but I reckon we’ve rolled in 30-plus players through the senior group this year, and everyone who’s come in has played their role,” Sullivan said.

In his first season back at the club after a year in the Essendon District Football League, Eckel has starred for the Warriors, averaging 27 disposals and eight clearances a game. Eckel is the workhorse of the Warriors’ midfield, making his presence felt at every stoppage and breaking away from the contest to deliver the ball to teammates.

Josh Fowkes Fowkes will head into the finals campaign as the competition’s premier ruckman thanks to his ability to impact a game in the air or at ground level. He has the skill and agility of an on-baller while being able to take contested marks, and you will often see the ruckman taking intercept marks in the back half before starting the Warriors’ offence.

Paul Summers The back-to-back league-leading goal-kicker will be crucial to the Warriors’ success in the 2026 Wimmera league finals. Summers is a sharpshooter in front of the big sticks with 63 goals this season including a bag of nine goals against the Saints in round 16 thanks to his elite forward craft and goal sense.

Sunny Brazier A big-bodied midfielder who has brought X-factor to the Warriors line-up in 2026 with 26 goals to go along with his 21 disposals a game. Brazier is explosive when around the contest, using his strength and speed to break away from attempted tackles with the ability to be a dangerous forward, kicking four goals against Ararat back in round 10.

Paul Summers

Stawell Football & Netball Club “Callawadda Estate” Warriors The Stawell Football and Netball Club would like to congratulate our Football and Netball Teams who made the finals series for the 2026 season,----------------Go Warriors! ers and all our We would like to thank our sponsors, memb 2026 season. supporters for your continued support for the

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Horsham Saints

WFNL FINALS

Horsham Saints’

road to the finals Coach: Angus Martin

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Round 1: W. 11.16 (82) d Warrack Eagles 6.3 (39). Home. Round 2: W. 16.13 (109) d Horsham 5.2 (32). Away. Round 3: L. 6.7 (43) to Southern Mallee Thunder 6.17 (53). Home. Round 4: W. 16.10 (106) d Nhill 10.20 (80). Away. Round 5: W. 7.9 (51) d Minyip-Murtoa 7.7 (49). Home. Round 6: Bye. Round 7: W. 12.10 (82) d Stawell 10.9 (69). Away. Round 8: W. 11.8 (74) d Dimboola 4.6 (30). Home. Round 9: L. 5.11 (41) to Ararat 10.12 (72). Away.** Round 10: W. 16.10 (106) d Warrack Eagles 13.3 (81). Away. Round 11: W. 19.15 (129) d Horsham 8.6 (54). Home. Round 12: W. 8.12 (60) d Southern Mallee Thunder 3.8 (26). Away. Round 13: W. 18.7 (115) d Nhill 18.4 (112). Home. Round 14: W. 21.14 (140) d Minyip-Murtoa 7.9 (51). Away. Round 15: Bye. Round 16: L. 10.13 (73) to Stawell 11.8 (74). Home. Round 17: W. 26.14 (170) d Dimboola 2.7 (19). Away.* Round 18: L. 10.13 (73) to Ararat 14.14 (98). Home.

fter missing finals for the past two seasons, Horsham Saints have exceeded expectations in 2026, becoming one of the top teams to watch out for.

While many tipped the Saints to return to the top five this season, sitting either first or second for most of the season has gone above and beyond their initial aims of just making finals. With only four losses this season – the Saints went down to Southern Mallee Thunder by 10 points in round three, to Ararat by 31 points in round nine and then 25 points in round 18, and to Stawell by one point in round 16 – the expectation now is the Saints will feature heavily in the finals. Their 12 wins for the season has earnt them second spot on the ladder, and a double chance in this year’s finals series, setting up a qualifying final against Stawell at Beulah on Saturday. In his first season as senior coach, Angus Martin said he was ‘ extremely happy’ with how the playing group had turned around its performance from last year. “Last year we finished a game or two outside the top five, and pretty much ever since the start of November, start of pre-season, the blokes – locals and our recruits – have set a goal to make finals, so we’ve ticked that box now,” he said. “It’s about how far we can go in the finals now, but I think it’s been a success regardless of where we finish up. “It’s been good fun, I know that.”

*Highest score. ** Lowest score. Total: Won: 12. Lost: 4. For: 1454. Against: 939. Points: 48. Percentage: 154.85.

Leading goal-kickers Rory Taggert 39, Mitch Martin 30, Judd Wright 25, Zac Peake 22.

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exceeded Wins early in the season against quality teams such as Nhill and Stawell helped build a solid foundation for the Saints. “ I think that set up a bit of confidence with our group that we can match it in the best or against the best,” Martin said. “To get those two wins on the road and then to beat Thunder on the road as well was really good. “Winning and beating sides that are around us on the ladder has been a big confidence booster for the group.” But it hasn’t been all smooth-sailing for the Saints, with plenty of injury concerns thrown their way, and tough competition each week with the competitiveness of Wimmera league teams. “Every game is pretty important, and every team all the way through from first through to seventh are very, very competitive, so just backing it up week after week and knowing you’re going to be playing on good players, and then managing blokes through the season, has been a bit of a challenge,” he said. Individually, Reid Kuller – recruited from Mypolonga in South Australia – has proved to be a star of the league, featuring in the Saints’ best 13 times this season, racking up averages of 30 disposals a game, 17 of which are contested. Another to feature heavily in the

3WM Local Footy Live’s Hugh Doc’s players to watch Reid Kuller

Saints’ best is Mitch Martin, averaging 24 disposals and two goals, having a breakout year in 2026. Martin has also been handy up forward, kicking 30 goals for the season – the secondhighest goal-kicker for the Saints behind Rory Taggert, with 39 goals. Gage Wright has again had a fantastic season, while his brother Judd Wright is also coming into good form in the past month, particularly with his contribution on the scoreboard. For Martin, there’s been plenty of highlights in 2026 already, and while he has proudly watched in awe of his star players, the club is hoping its core group of players can also provide success for years to come. “Probably the development of four or five blokes who are 23 to 25 has been a highlight – they’re starting to really hit their straps and are showing what sort of footballers they can be,” he said.

In his first season in the Wimmera league, Kuller has made a name for himself as one the competition’s midfield elite and a key contributor to the Saints’ rise up the ladder. The Saints onballer has the ability to be damaging when in possession of the footy, but also brings a high level of midfield pressure, ranking number two in the completion for tackles.

Mitch Martin Stepping up as one of the Saints’ co-captains in 2026, Martin has continued as one of the competition’s most damaging forward-half players. Martin can play in the midfield or as a forward option for the Saints, with the ability to change the momentum of a game thanks to his silky skills and high-level goal sense.

Judd Wright After struggling to start the season, Wright has found his form, kicking 18 goals in his last seven games. The forward is a high-level athlete who has strong skills and an X-factor ability that can produce highlight moments that get the Saints over the line in big games.

Alexander McRae Not a player that lights up the stat sheet, but with a plethora of high-level opposition forwards in the finals, the play of McRae will be crucial to the Saints’ success. The experienced defender can match it with the best forwards in the competition and provides on-field leadership that is a key confidence-booster in a young Saints side.

Rory Taggert

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Ararat Rats

WFNL FINALS

Ararat’s road to the finals Coach: Tom Williamson

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Rats’ momentum

Round 1: L. 12.9 (81) to Stawell 11.20 (86). Away. Round 2: W. 28.13 (181) d Dimboola 4.1 (25). Home. Round 3: Bye. Round 4: W. 11.10 (76) d Warrack Eagles 6.10 (46). Away. Round 5: W. 8.18 (66) d Horsham 5.5 (35). Home. Round 6: L. 8.8 (56) to Southern Mallee Thunder 8.14 (62). Away.** Round 7: W. 9.15 (69) d Nhill 9.9 (63). Home. Round 8: W. 11.13 (79) d Minyip-Murtoa 3.5 (23). Away. Round 9: W. 10.12 (72) d Horsham Saints 5.11 (41). Home. Round 10: W. 14.15 (99) d Stawell 14.10 (94). Home. Round 11: W. 18.14 (122) d Dimboola 5.3 (33). Away. Round 12: Bye. Round 13: W. 15.11 (101) d Warrack Eagles 12.9 (81). Home. Round 14: W. 20.8 (128) d Horsham 7.10 (52). Away. Round 15: W. 23.17 (155) d Southern Mallee Thunder 6.13 (49). Home. Round 16: L. 9.13 (67) to Nhill 10.11 (71). Away. Round 17: W. 37.21 (243) d Minyip-Murtoa 3.2 (20). Home.* Round 18: W. 14.14 (98) d Horsham Saints 10.13 (73). Away. *Highest score. ** Lowest score. Total: Won: 13. Lost: 3. For: 1693. Against: 854. Points: 52. Percentage: 198.24.

ood teams know the right time to peak and that is exactly how it appears Ararat has planned its run in 2026.

Leading goal-kickers

Patrick Toner

Tom Williamson 38, Tom Mills 33, Ethan Summers 26.

While the three-time consecutive premiers have not consistently been the standout best team in a tight Wimmera league season, they have hit their straps at the right time. In the Rats’ 223-point win over Minyip-Murtoa two weeks ago – their biggest this season – it was the first time in two years every player had been available for selection. But Ararat assistant coach Harry Ganley said it was a four-point loss to Nhill in round 16 that was more important to their season. “Before the Nhill game, we were definitely feeling like we were really starting to click, but they played better on the day and it was a good reminder,” he said. “We’re just building to this point really, I feel,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of injuries and setbacks to guys, but it’s been just next soldier up, and every week, as a collective, the ones and the twos have just gotten better.” Ganley said the team had been aware for a while that star player and senior coach Tom Williamson would not coach again next year, and it hadn’t affected the team’s goals for 2026. “Premierships in both grades is the goal. If you’re not aiming for that at this point, then you might as well pack up and go home,” he said. While Williamson has again been at his best this season, 2025 Toohey medallist Ben Taylor has had a standout season. The pair average 31 and 32 disposals respectively, and crucially average six and seven clearances each game. Williamson, who swaps between the middle and forward, also averages three goals, while Ganley’s own on-field role can’t be underestimated – averaging 26 disposals and rebounding strongly out of defence.

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3WM Local Footy Live’s Hugh Doc’s players to watch Tom Williamson

“I’d be surprised if Ben Taylor wasn’t a back-to-back Toohey medallist – I think he’s been outstanding,” Ganley said. “Jim Jennings and Hugh Toner have also been standouts, they would probably be the top three in the best and fairest this year, I would imagine.” In Ganley’s words, Ararat had a ‘pretty ordinary start to the season’, starting with a five-point loss to Stawell in round one, and then a loss to last year’s runner-up Southern Mallee Thunder in round six. Ganley said the Rats had focused on getting better at one aspect of the game at each training session, continuing to build for the last month of the season. He said the club’s depth – they also sit second on the reserves ladder behind Saints – was a real asset. “The depth is real testament to the club that everyone wants to come and play and it’s a really good environment,” he said. “Unfortunately there will be some guys who miss out, but it’s just part of footy.” While the loss to Nhill is still at the forefront of the Rats’ minds, Ganley said a highlight of the season had been their six-point win over Nhill in round seven. “I think we had 10 out at that point and Tom Williamson got injured in the first quarter, so that was a really big win,” he said. “The Stawell game at home, we again had quite a number of injuries, and came back late and got the win.” With the Rats again finishing on top of the ladder, with 13 wins and 3 losses, and earning a week off in the first week of the finals series, they will start their premiership defence in the second semi-final in Dimboola on September 5.

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 – WFNL finals

Ararat Rats

In his final year as head coach, Williamson has continued his high-level play in both the midfield and the forward line, collecting 31 disposals a game to go along with his 36 goals, including a bag of 10 against Southern Mallee Thunder in round 15. A rare mix of size and agility makes Williamson a headache for opposition to try and contain.

Ben Taylor The reigning Toohey Medallist has followed his 2025 form with another season as one of the competition’s premier onballers, averaging 32 disposals a game. Taylor often finds himself in open space thanks to his elite running ability and high footy IQ, which he uses to launch the Rats from defence into attack.

Harry Ganley Ganley has a mix of great decision making and elite skills that the Rats use to exit defence and get themselves out of tricky situations. The backman has the ability to contain the opposition’s small forwards and then find teammates to help start an attack, with 70 per cent of Ganley’s kicks hitting the target.

Cody Lindsay

Harry Ganley

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In a midfield that features the three most recent Toohey Medallist winners, Lindsay has the crucial job of giving his side the advantage from the ruck. Lindsay has missed most of the season with a finger injury, but provides the Rats with a boost of athleticism in his return to the team.

Page 11

WFNL FINALS Within grasp

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Stawell Warriors

Road to the finals

Coaches: Jemma Clarkson, Courtney McIlvride

Round 1: W. 55 d Stawell 29. Away. Round 2: L. 35 to Warrack Eagles 41. Away.** Round 3: L. 49 to Horsham 65. Away. Round 4: D. 42 drew Southern Mallee Thunder 42. Away. Round 5: W. 58 d Nhill 27. Home. Round 6: W. 54 d Minyip-Murtoa 45. Away. Round 7: L. 57 to Horsham Saints 85. Home. Round 8: Bye. Round 9: W. 57 d Dimboola 41. Away. Round 10: L. 49 to Ararat 50. Away. Round 11: W. 53 d Warrack Eagles 45. Home. Round 12: L. 47 to Horsham 48. Home. Round 13: W. 55 d Southern Mallee Thunder 38. Home. Round 14: W. 59 d Nhill 47. Away.* Round 15: W. 48 d Minyip-Murtoa 42. Home. Round 16: L. 42 to Horsham Saints 98. Away. Round 17: Bye. Round 18: L. 38 to Dimboola 55. Home.

tawell may sit fifth on the ladder but its potential to unsettle teams higher up means it could be the surprise packet of this year’s Wimmera league finals.

* Highest score ** Lowest score

Total: Won: 7. Lost: 8. Draw: 1. For: 762. Against: 824. Points: 30. Percentage: 92.48.

Players to watch Lisa Considine

The veteran leads by example every game, shifting between mostly wing defence and goal defence depending on where the Warriors need her netballing nous. Considine regularly inspires her team-mates, and provides great leadership.

Ayva Mitchell

Finishing third highest in the goal-scoring for A Grade with 605 goals in 16 games, Mitchell continues to grow each game, ably supported by co-coach Jemma Clarkson in goal-attack. The tall youngster will need to be at her best if the Warriors are going to progress past week one of finals.

Ayva Mitchell

While the Warriors have won seven games, lost eight and drawn one this season, they have beaten Dimboola and went close to both Ararat and Horsham Demons, where the margin was just one goal. Still finding their groove as a team at the start of the season, it took until round five for Stawell to record its first win – a 31-goal victory over Nhill. But from there, the Warriors hit a purple patch mid-season. Co-coach Jemma Clarkson described it as a rollercoaster season in terms of performance. “We’ve had some really terrific games where we’ve felt like we’ve played the way we know the team can play, and then weeks where things just haven’t gone the way we expected or had hoped,” she said. Clarkson said despite the team including many long-time Warriors, it was the first time they had all played together as a team in A Grade. “It’s taken us a while to settle into it and I think we’ve really found those combinations, found our feet as a team a little bit more now, and are excited to be heading into finals,” she said. Clarkson said a highlight of the season came a couple of weeks ago when they realised with certainty they would play finals, and not have to rely on other results. After missing out on A Grade finals in 2025, the Warriors are keen to test themselves against the league’s best in September.

“We had set that goal at the start of the year for ourselves, so it was nice to achieve that, and to know that we’d just got there by work we’d done during the year,” she said. “That was really important to us, and those games were probably something we’re really proud of the girls for stepping up and winning when we needed to.” With many players able to play different positions, Stawell has worked through many combinationsto find what works best. A key player to shine this season has been Ayva Mitchell – a rising star in the goal circle. “She’s played A Grade for a couple of years now – as a junior and she still could play under 17s – but she made the choice to play just A Grade, and she’s really come into her own a little bit this year,” Clarkson said. “She has demanded the ball, wanted the ball, and really became quite dynamic with her game, and we’re just really proud of how much she’s matured on court this year and the way she’s been playing this season has been wonderful to see with her really stepping into the potential we know she has.” The Warriors now face an elimination final against Ararat on Sunday – the Rats won convincingly on Good Friday but testament to Stawell’s improvement, the round-10 match was a lot closer with a 50-49 margin the Rats’ way. “I think it’s definitely within our grasp to have a win on the weekend, and we’ll be definitely putting it all out on the court in order to do that,” Clarkson said.

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Wednesday, August 26, 2026 – WFNL finals

WFNL FINALS Quietly confident Proudly brought to you by:

rarat heads into the 2026 A Grade finals series with a quiet confidence.

Despite not winning any more games than they did in 2025, the Rats finished one spot higher in fourth this season and only just missed out in securing third position. Under a new coach, Faith Biddle, and several new players in 2026, Ararat has moved on from its controversial elimination final loss last season, where a scoreboard error cost them a chance to progress. “We just want to go out there and play our best netball and enjoy it. We’ve worked hard to get ourselves into this position, so we want to make the most of the opportunity,” Biddle said. “Obviously we’d love to go all the way and hopefully bring home the premiership, but we know we’ve just got to take it one game at a time, stick together and back ourselves.” Biddle said the Rats had enjoyed a ‘good, positive season’, and while a few challenges had been thrown their way, they had shown improvements, with the development of younger players and gelling as a team. Among those young stars is Bridie Price, a member of VNL club Bendigo Strikers’ emerging players squad and recently named in Netball Victoria’s top 50 under-19 players, who has cemented her place in A Grade – while still playing in the Rats’ 17-and-under team. “It’s been really good having some new faces come into the team, including Kiarna Taylor and the late addition of Michayla McCrae, and also junior players who have earnt their stripes, Bridie Price and Evie Harrington,” Biddle said.

“They’ve brought a bit of fresh energy and different strengths. It’s also been really important having that extra depth, especially with a few players unavailable throughout the year.” The Rats will be without last year’s Hatcher Medal runner-up Maggie Astbury, who hasn’t played since round 10, but have welcomed new goal attack Michayla McRae, who brings a competitive and energetic presence. “Having played in a premiershipwinning team last season at Penshurst, Michayla’s drive and experience in highpressure moments have been very valuable to our team,” Biddle said. Biddle said the Rats had suffered a couple of tough losses and games where they recognised they didn’t play to their standard – but it had all been a learning curve. “I think some of the close games where we’ve had to really fight it out have been the most important for us. They’ve shown us that we can stay in a game and keep working even when things aren’t going our way,” she said. Even in the round-nine 12-goal loss to Horsham Saints, the Rats felt they showed plenty of promise. “Saints have set the standard for a couple of years now and seeing their results against other top sides, we competed quite well considering and we were pleased with the result,” she said. “Those games have given us a lot of confidence going into finals because we know we can handle a bit of pressure and trust each other when it matters.”

Ararat Rats

Road to the finals Coach: Faith Biddle

Round 1: W. 55 d Stawell 29. Away. Round 2: D. 53 drew Dimboola. Home. Round 3: Bye. Round 4: L. 48 to Warrack Eagles 49. Away. Round 5: L. 59 to Horsham 65. Home. Round 6: W. 58 d Southern Mallee Thunder 28. Away. Round 7: W. 46 d Nhill 43. Home. Round 8: W. 50 d Minyip-Murtoa 35. Away. Round 9: L. 55 to Horsham Saints 67. Home. Round 10: W. 50 d Stawell 49. Home. Round 11: L. 39 to Dimboola 50. Away.** Round 12: Bye. Round 13: W. 61 d Warrack Eagles 39. Home.* Round 14: L. 49 to Horsham 61. Away. Round 15: W. 58 d Southern Mallee Thunder 30. Home. Round 16: W. 57 d Nhill 45. Away. Round 17: W. 59 d Minyip Murtoa 53. Home. Round 18: Round 18. L. 45 to Horsham Saints 65. Away. * Highest score ** Lowest score Total: Won: 9. Lost: 6. Draw: 1. For: 842. Against: 761. Points: 38. Percentage: 110.64.

Players to watch Laney McLoughlan

McLoughlan has been a standout player, shooting 505 goals in 16 games. She has taken her game to another level in 2026, displaying consistency and reliability to become Ararat’s key focal point in the goal circle.

Kiarna Taylor

Bridie Price

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The 17-and-under defender has also played every A Grade game this season. Price, selected in the Netball Victoria top 50 19-and-under squad and also a member of Bendigo Strikers emerging players squad, a young talent on the rise.

ARARAT FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB The Ararat Rats Football Netball Club congratulates all of our teams on making the finals.

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Page 13

WFNL FINALS Game by game Proudly brought to you by:

Dimboola Roos

Road to the finals Coach: Ant Toet

Round 1: Bye. Round 2: D. 53 drew Ararat 53. Away. Round 3: W. 42 d Warrack Eagles 33. Home. Round 4: L. 42 to Horsham 45. Away. Round 5: W. 47 d Southern Mallee Thunder 23. Home. Round 6: W. 51 d Nhill 43. Away. Round 7: W. 59 d Minyip-Murtoa 30. Home.* Round 8: L. 40 to Horsham Saints 70. Away. Round 9: L. 41 to Stawell 47. Home. Round 10: Bye. Round 11: W. 50 d Ararat 39. Home. Round 12: W. 33 d Warrack Eagles 32. Away.** Round 13: W. 52 d Horsham 49. Home. Round 14: W. 52 d Southern Mallee Thunder 29. Away. Round 15: W. 46 d Nhill 54. Home. Round 16: W. 48 d Minyip-Murtoa 33. Away. Round 17: L. 41 to Horsham Saints 76. Home. Round 18: W. 38 d Stawell 55. Away. * Highest score ** Lowest score Total: Won: 10. Lost: 5. Draw: 1. For: 753.

determined Dimboola will quietly aim to go one better than last year’s preliminary final – pushing hard for a grand final berth in season 2026.

Against: 694. Points: 42. Percentage: 108.50.

Players to watch Bridget Dorrington

One half of Dimboola’s dynamic defensive duo, Dorrington forms a formidable partnership with Stephanie Glover each week. She’s been in particularly good form leading into finals and will no doubt provide her usual inspiration for her team-mates.

Olivia Beugelaar

The goal attack provides a consistent, attacking force for the Roos, teaming well with goal shooter Nicole Polycarpou. Beugelaar is the highest-scoring goal attack in A Grade, having shot 259 goals in 14 games this season, and will be important to Dimboola’s drive to go deep into finals.

Olivia Beugelaar

But the Roos are under no illusion how difficult that task will be, starting this weekend when they take on Horsham Demons in a qualifying final at Beulah on Saturday. Dimboola matches up well with the Demons, with this season’s results having each team at one apiece – the Demons won the round-three match by three goals, while the Roos caused an upset in round 13 with a 52-39 victory. Coach Ant Toet said while the Roos had achieved their aim of finishing in a topthree position, they would focus only on the game at hand. “ I think you have to look at who you’re playing each week – we have to see how we match up, what our line-ups are,” she said. “Obviously we want to go as far as we can in the finals – we know our history the last three preliminary finals – but you also can’t look too far ahead. “You’ve really got to just focus on that next game that’s coming up – and I think we’ve really realised that, and we play more consistent netball when we’re just focusing on a quarter at a time.” Toet said the Roos knew how tough of an opponent the Demons were, as well as their ability to fight their way back into a game. “We beat them last time, but

we were also about seven goals up at three-quartertime, and I think we only won by three,” Toet said. “You can’t deny the experience they’ve got out on the court, and then a couple of young ones to give them a bit more drive as well, so it’ll be really good. “It’s been a while since we played them, and obviously there’s been a lot of water under the bridge for both us and them – it’ll be a really good contest, I think, this final series.” Toet said the 2026 season had thrown it all at the Roos, with some mid-season losses forcing them to work hard to regain third spot. The round-six loss to Nhill and losing to Stawell in round nine were upsets in the A Grade competition. It took until the last round of the home-and-away season to lock in third spot, after reversing the Stawell result and scoring a convincing 17-goal win over the Warriors. Toet said wins against the Demons and Ararat were highlights of the Roos’ season, and the whole team had worked hard to improve on their individual games. She also said the development of 15-year-olds Giselle Clugston and Temika Greig, and Emily Taylor, 18, to become consistent A Grade players, earning their spots and pushing for positions on the court, had been pleasing. “We don’t have a huge pool of juniors to pull from, so for us to still have nine out of our 10 players being locals and playing all their juniors here, it’s fantastic for us – we’re proud of that,” she said. Toet said the way the young players had combined with the Roos’ experienced netballers would hold the team in good stead for both the finals and future years.

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Wednesday, August 26, 2026 – WFNL finals

WFNL FINALS Versatility key Proudly brought to you by:

remierships are always on Horsham Demons’ radar – and 2026 is no different.

The club has one of the most successful netball programs in the region, consistently featuring in finals – and premierships – across all grades. But while the Demons have not showed the dominance of their cross-town rival Horsham Saints for the past two seasons, they are hoping a different look – with much more versatility – will hold them in good stead for this year’s finals series. The Demons added Georgia Hiscock, Febey McClure and Ginger Short to their line-up this season. They have also shifted usual goal attack Georgia Batson to goal defence, opening up an opportunity for either playing coach Georgie Carberry or Knight to combine with their focal point in the circle, Imogen Worthy. The Demons are also among the best at using the rolling substitution rule to their advantage, consistently switching players mid-quarter to combat the opposition. Carberry said the team had grown as a group, and its consistency, belief and connection had improved as the season progressed. She said the Demons wanted to go into finals with confidence and belief in the work they had put in during the season. “The goal is obviously to give ourselves every opportunity to win a premiership, but for us it’s about focusing on each game, playing

our brand of netball and giving 100 per cent effort for each other,” she said. “We know if we do those things, we’ll give ourselves the best possible chance.” Carberry said the new players in the team and mixing it up with positional changes had added versatility and depth. “Having new players come in has brought fresh energy and different strengths, while having players take on different positions has given us more flexibility and options on court,” she said. Reflecting on the season, Carberry said exciting wins that allowed the Demons to show what they were made of when challenged had provided highlights. “I think the games where we’ve been challenged and had to fight our way back or hold our composure have been really important,” she said. “Those games have given us belief that we can handle pressure and stick to our game plan when things aren’t going perfectly. “Overall, our whole team has had amazing seasons, and I’m proud of the way all of them go about their role and what they provide to our team.” Finishing second on the ladder, with 12 wins and three losses – two to the Saints and one to Dimboola – the Demons will need to be primed for finals if they are any chance of adding another A Grade premiership to their trophy cabinet.

Horsham Demons

Road to the finals Coach: Georgie Carberry

Round 1: W. 62 d Minyip-Murtoa 35. Home. Round 2: L. 53 to Horsham Saints 67. Home. Round 3: W. 65 d Stawell 49. Home. Round 4: W. 45 d Dimboola 42. Home. Round 5: W. 65 d Ararat 59. Away. Round 6: W. 58 d Warrack Eagles 41. Home. Round 7: Bye. Round 8: W. 36 d Southern Mallee Thunder 16. Away.** Round 9: W. 72 d Nhill 38. Home.* Round 10: W. 60 d Minyip-Murtoa 38. Away. Round 11: L. 58 to Horsham Saints 85. Away. Round 12: W. 48 d Stawell 47. Away. Round 13: L. 49 to Dimboola 52. Away. Round 14: W. 61 d Ararat 49. Away. Round 15: W. 67 d Warrack Eagles 45. Away. Round 16: Bye. Round 17: W. 68 d Southern Mallee Thunder 44. Home. Round 18: W. 65 d Nhill. 58 Away. * Highest score ** Lowest score Total: Won: 13. Lost: 3. For: 932. Against: 765. Points: 52. Percentage: 121.83.

Players to watch Imogen Worthy

Georgie Carberry

Worthy has been a force at the Demons in 2026, with her accuracy to the post netting her 614 goals, providing a reliable and strong target in attack. She has shown consistency under pressure, and adapted to new goal circle combinations this season, with either Georgie Carberry or Zarli Knight playing goal attack.

Georgia Batson

Batson has shown her versatility this season, changing ends for the Demons to be their goal defence. She has embraced the position and provided consistency for an ever-changing Demons’ defence.

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WFNL FINALS Hot favourites

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Horsham Saints

Road to the finals Coach: Vernetta Taylor

Round 1: W. 73 d Warrack Eagles 34. Home. Round 2: W. 67 d Horsham 53. Away. Round 3: W 85 d Southern Mallee Thunder 27. Home. Round 4: W. 81 d Nhill 39. Away. Round 5: W. 84 d Minyip-Murtoa 39. Home. Round 6: Bye. Round 7: W. 85 d Stawell 57. Away. Round 8: W. 70 d Dimboola 40. Home. Round 9: W. 67 d Ararat 55. Away. Round 10: W. 84 d Warrack Eagles 29. Away. Round 11: W. 85 d Horsham 58. Home. Round 12: W. 60 d Southern Mallee Thunder 36. Away.** Round 13: W. 91 d Nhill 33. Home. Round 14: W. 82 d Minyip-Murtoa 40. Away. Round 15: Bye. Round 16: W. 98 d Stawell 42. Home.* Round 17: W. 76 d Dimboola 41. Away. Round 18: W. 65 d Ararat 45. Home.

* Highest score ** Lowest score Total: Won: 16. Lost: 0. For: 1252. Against: 668. Points: 64. Percentage: 187.43.

Players to watch Ash Grace

Not often does a reigning league bestand-fairest winner fly under the radar, but Grace seems not to attract attention like her young team-mates. Instead, she goes about her game with little fuss, providing consistency and leading by example.

Jorja Clode

The highest-scoring and one of the most consistent goalers in the league. Clode, who also plays for Bendigo’s 23-and-Under team in the Victorian Netball League, averaged 59 goals a game for the Saints this season.

Megan Byrne

t’s been a near-perfect season for Horsham Saints in 2026.

Sixteen wins. Zero losses. Top of the ladder, with the closest margin of the season 12 goals. The reigning premiers are again hot favourites to win the Wimmera league A Grade flag, but finals can sometimes produce unexpected results. The Saints have enjoyed a similar season to 2025, where they were premiers and champions. But they are a different looking team this year – particularly in their attacking end – having lost experienced goal attack and former Hatcher medallist Abby Hallam. Known for giving the club’s junior players the opportunity to step up to senior level, the Saints have once again played several young netballers in A Grade this season, with 17-and-under players Lena Marshman, Olivia Taylor, Lani King and Ruby Bethune all featuring. But they are also blessed with plenty of netball experience, with captain Ash Grace, Megan Byrne, Shannon Cross and Zeena Kelm forming a strong base across the court. Add in the mix last year’s league best under-21 player Maddi Bethune becoming a force at goal defence, and the league’s top goal-scorer Jorja Clode nearing 1000 goals for the season, and it’s no wonder the Saints are again the standout team. Clode, who also plays with the Bendigo Strikers’ 23-and-Under team in the Victorian Netball League, has scored 945 goals during the homeand-away season, posting an average of 60 goals a game. A Grade coach Vernetta Taylor said Bethune,

we include

GOOD LUCK TO ALL

playing in her first full A Grade season out of juniors, continued to improve each week. Known for her ability to read the play resulting in a strong intercept game, Bethune has teamed well with Kelm – one of the most experienced players in the league. “What’s improving about her game, that perhaps was missing previously, was her communication with her other defender and the team in general,” Taylor said. “She’s really showing some strong leadership out there – talking and letting everyone know where they should be to create the turnover and she does it very well.” Taylor said for the first time in weeks, the Saints had a full list to pick from, putting the team in a strong position heading into finals. After finishing atop of the ladder in first place, the Saints have earnt themselves the first week off in the finals series, before facing the winner of Horsham Demons and Dimboola. For Taylor, her side is ‘a wonderful balance of the club’s juniors with the more mature and experienced netballers’ – a combination she hopes will see the Saints win back-to-back premierships. “Just to have that level of experience on court, and with the younger players, is very special,” she said. “Those more experienced players really do mentor those young ones – at training and during the game – and I think it gives the younger ones confidence, they know those players have their backs. “It’s wonderful with the level of experience, just the netball smarts that they have out there, some of the stuff they do is incredible, and that just comes with experience – we are very, very fortunate.”

we achieve

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NETBALL TEAMS IN THE 2026 FINALS!

• A Grade • B Grade • C Grade • 17 & Under • C Reserve

• 13 & Under • 15 & Under

S T N I A S PROUD MAJOR SPONSOR OF THE S T N I A S S T N I A S I N TS A S THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 CLUB SPONSORSA I N T S S S T N I A S

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STRENGTH THROUGH LOYALTY Page 16

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WFNL FINALS

GUARD: Ararat’s Demi Bligh defends Stawell’s Ayva Mitchell.

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CONCENTRATE: Saints’ Maddi Bethune focuses on defence. CENTRE: Dimboola’s Emily Taylor.

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CLASH: Warrack Eagles’ Lucy Holland and Stawell’s Erin Freeland.

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BROWNLOW: AFL Brownlow medallist Tom Mitchell playing for Nhill.

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GOAL: Warrack Eagles’ John Jorgensen celebrates a goal.

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