Football
5 August, 2025
Ladder leaders assert dominance over fifth placed
There was a big difference between the ladder leaders and fifth place on Saturday, with Ararat defeating Minyip Murtoa 18.15 (123) to 8.3 (51).
Ararat began the game well, with a 28-point lead at halftime and continued to assert their dominance the entire match, claiming the victory by 72 points.
Co-coach Tom Mills led the goal scoring with six for Ararat, while Liam Kidd booted four for the Burras.
Better players for both sides were James Jennings and Sonny Kettle (Ararat) and Liam Kidd and Timothy Mackenzie (Minyip Murtoa).
Ararat's Mills was pleased with the win, considering the last time they played, the difference was only 20 points.
"It was a good result," he added.
"Last time they played a good game of stoppage footy, they didn't let us get it on the outside as much, and that probably helped a bit more with being on Alexander, a bit more space.
"We just tried to get on the outside and use our skills a bit more, which I think we did pretty well."
Asked about his goal haul, Mills laughed, he was just pleased to finish the game.
"That's all I was worried about, but no, it was good to be back out there," he said, adding he has only played five matches this season, due to injuries to numerous body parts - including his knee and shoulder.
Not one to claim all the credit, though, Mills acknowledged many of his players as being in form on Saturday.
"Jim (James) Jennings played a great game in defence, but he plays great every week," Mills said.
"Sonny Kettle was great around the ball, and Cody Lindsay, our ruck, he seems to play well every week too, he was really good."
With the bye next week, Mills said he will give his side a rest after eight matches in a row.
"It's a good time to let everyone relax a little before we have a couple of games and then straight into finals," Mills said.
"The bye has come at a good time for us."
The break will also give four key players an opportunity to return for Ararat's next game, with Baydn Cosgriff, Brayden Draffin, Henry Shea and Jacob Bates all nearing being available for selection.