Stawell Callawadda Estate Warriors produced a positive start against the Wimmera Football League's best despite a scoreline reflecting otherwise.
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At the conclusion of play you would have been forgiven for seeing the scoreboard and assuming the worst, but that wasn't the case when Stawell Warriors met the Demons for round one of the season.
Players, coaches and supporters could all sense a big improvement from previous years and were rewarded with a solid fast paced game of football to be a part of.
Coach Brad Cassidy was pleased by the overall effort of his young team and was impressed with the progress Warriors have made in the off season.
"There were plenty of positives to take out of the game," Cassidy said.
"It is our first real game together and for the most part of it we competed well. It is disappointing that the scores didn't reflect our effort, because their effort was good."
Stawell had their fair share of the ball for the majority of the game, but an inability to hit up their forwards led to costly turnovers. This saw the result go the way of the reigning premier.
Scoring just one behind in the first quarter Stawell was always on the back foot in terms of the scoreboard.
In the second quarter new recruit and assistant coach Brad Thomas was able to open the account for Stawell, kicking a goal from 25 metres out.
Thomas showed that he has no fear on the football field, putting his head over the ball time and time again.
While not winning many votes with his Horsham opponents, he gave his teammates and supporters something to cheer about.
James Delahunty was also impressive in his first game back with the club, creating a target in the forward line and giving them some size through the midfield.
"Our recruits really give us strength through our key positions," Cassidy said.
Scott Driscoll found himself in the best as did Brenton Potter and Liam Scott.
Cassidy thought Potter was the best on ground and praised him for his vision and his use of the handball in the forward 50 while Scott played his best senior game for the club.
"Liam played his best game of senior football for us," Cassidy said.
Down by 35 points at the main break Warriors were not out of the match, but Horsham took control of the centre clearances and control of the game in the third quarter.
Winning the ball out of the middle seven times to Stawell's nil, Horsham put on 11 goals in the third quarter alone and the game was done and dusted.
At three quarter time the players were urged to fight the match out.
The final score was Stawell 7.8.50 defeated by Horsham 19.8.122.
"In that situation the players need to do something to change that statistic," Cassidy said.
"We can send the message out there, but the players need to take some responsibility. I'm sure with our leadership that won't be something that happens again this week."
Stawell will have three main focuses at training in the next four days as they prepare to take on Ararat in their Anzac Day clash.
They will work on their stoppage work, their tackling and general skills and using the corridor.
"I really don't want to over coach," Cassidy said.