STAWELL was a hive of activity on Wimmera Football League grand final day with thousands passing through the hallowed gates at Central Park.
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Wimmera residents turned out in spectacular spring conditions to see Horsham claim yet another premiership, but this year only a kick separated it from fierce cross-city rival Horsham Saints.
WFL Chief Commissioner Greg Schultz said he estimated upwards of 6000 people attended the grand final at Stawell.
"We were probably down a bit at the gate compared with Nhill in 2013," he said.
"You could say we expected more, but the figures just reflect the spread of clubs involved."
WFL General Manager Stephen McQueen commended all facets of the grand final operation from facilities and attendance to preparation and crowd behaviour.
"Apparently one person was evicted by police, but overall, for the size of the crowd the police were very happy with the crowd behaviour," he said.
"We have been communicating with the police for well over a month in the lead up to the event so in that time we hope to have most crowd control issues covered.
"We are very lucky to have such a good relationship with the police and we do work very closely with them throughout the entire finals campaign."
Mr McQueen said along with the grand final, there were many on field highlights in season 2014.
"The closeness of all the games, not only on grand final day but the other finals and also throughout the year," he said.
Mr McQueen also heaped praise on the chosen location for this year's grand final.
"Stawell is a fantastic venue and the Stawell Football Netball Club, president Jeff Olafsen and his off field team were fantastic to deal with," he said.
"Obviously the facility is fantastic and can comfortably host a large crowd as shown each year with the running of the historic Stawell Gift.
"From an administration point of view it is also ideal. The media is well catered for and the WFL and WNA 200 Club can enjoy the festivities in comfort upstairs."
Mr McQueen wouldn't indicate whether Ararat's Alexandra Oval would be the clear favourite to host next year's final, given the massive redevelopment that has taken place there.
"It is far too far away to commit to any specific final, but I'm sure when the Commission meets to discuss the layout of the finals in 2015, Ararat will be in the mix," he said.
"I think everybody is keen to see the new Ararat development. It is an asset the entire community will be proud of."
Mr McQueen said if the Ararat Rats onfield performance in 2014 was anything to go by, they will continue to show plenty of promise in 2015.
"I'm sure if you ask David Hosking and his team, they would be more interested in playing in the grand final rather than hosting it in 2015," he said.