Wimmera-Mail Times | DIMBOOLA’S finals aspirations have been given a massive boost after the Roos managed an impressive 30-point win against Ararat on Saturday.
The Roos had been in a significant form slump and were running out of time to cement their spot in September action, but a telling performance from some of their go-to players lifted the side to crucial win at Alexandra Oval.
We thought we'd put ourselves back in the frame but other results didn't go our way.
Dimboola started stronger to lead by seven points at the first change, and made good its positive start with a six-goal to three second term that gave it a handy 26-point half-time advantage.
Four more majors after the main break extended the margin to 36 points at three-quarter-time, as the Rats struggled to garner enough opportunities to work their way into the contest.
Ash Clugston continued his stoic season for the Roos, booting five key goals in a performance that earned him best-on-ground honours.
Hamish Exell snagged two, as did Jayden Kuhne, Lachie Exell and Josh Rentsh as Dimboola finished off the 15.11 (101) to 11.5 (71) victory.
Jerome Williams was instrumental for the Roos across the back half of the ground, while Torin Petrie again proved his worth.
The win keeps the Roos in touch with the top five after Stawell upset Minyip-Murtoa to claim fifth spot by percentage.
Roos coach Stuart Farr said the side was returning to some of its early season form.
“We moved the ball really well and I thought it was the quickest we’ve moved the ball all year,” he said.
“We put them under a lot of pressure and forced them to make mistakes.
“We’re starting to get a few numbers back into the team and for the first time all year we had a full bench for the full four quarters.”
Farr acknowledged the win was huge given Stawell had also claimed a crucial four points at the weekend.
“We thought we’d put ourselves back in the frame but other results didn’t go our way, but we shouldn’t be relying on other results,” he said.
Farr said beating a top-four side proved to his team they would be worthy competitors in September.
“They are obviously fourth on the ladder and they were there to play,” he said.
“They showed plenty of aggression and were disappointed when things weren't going their way.
“We know we can compete with sides in the top five. It’s just a matter of getting there.”
That task of making the top five will intensify in round 15 when Dimboola faces fellow finals aspirant Nhill at Davis Park.
It sets itself as a must-win game if the Roos are to have any chance of featuring in finals.
The Roos will face a huge challenge in round 16, when they play Horsham Saints.
Stawell takes on Warrack Eagles and Nhill in its final two assignments, and Dimboola will need to rely on the Warriors dropping at least one of their last two matches if it is to take fifth spot.
