With the help of a handy breeze, the Warriors opened up a 20-point quarter-time advantage against the Rats and never relinquished the lead despite a concerted Ararat performance after the first change.

Inaccurate kicking prevented the Rats from reclaiming the lead  – especially in the third term when they had seven scoring shots to two – but it was Stawell who proved much more poised with ball in hand as it set up a semi-final clash with Minyip-Murtoa.

Warriors coach Brad Thomas praised his side’s positive start to the clash, which eventually proved the difference.

“We had to make a good start and we emphasised that before the game so to get off to a start like that was good,” he said.

“When Ararat get their running game going they’re as good as anyone in the league.”

The Rats were able to pin back the margin to five points at the main break and looked the better side in the third despite kicking into the wind.

Numerous missed chances for Ararat in front of goal proved fatal as the Warriors essentially killed the contest, taking a 21-point lead when Jack Musgrove converted two early set shots in the final term.

Musgrove would go on to boot five crucial majors for the Warriors and was well supported by Naish McRoberts, who chimed in with two goals.

The win was soured by a knee injury to Luke Hendy, who was stretchered from the ground in the second quarter.

Thomas said the midfield brigade proved pivotal to the win.

“Dave Morris and Tom Eckel – I put a lot on them today – and I was pleased with how they went about it,” he said.

“Gee Morris hits the ball hard. I’m glad he’s on my side.”

On the flip-side, Ararat coach David Hosking rued a disappointing performance from his team.

“We started off badly and didn’t get any better. We didn’t deserve to win – they did,” he said.

Hosking pointed towards disposal efficiency going forward and with attempts on goal as a major discrepancy that was a major difference between the two sides.

Hosking said his side did not stand up for the big occasion.

“I’d have worn it if our effort level had have been up – sometimes you just get beaten by a better side – but today we were massively disappointing on a day that was really important,” he said.

“We need to understand that that’s not good enough,” he said.

“We’ve got to live with it for the next six months.”

Jack Ganley and Jacob Bates top-scored for the Rats with two goals each while Xavier Vearing, Ryan Bates and Justin Summons put in solid performances.

For the Warriors, they face Minyip-Murtoa in a do-or-die semi-final at the weekend.

“They’re an experienced side and a finals side,” Thomas said.

“We’ve got no expectations. We’ve just got to go out there and do the best we can.

“The pressure is on them. They’ve got to perform well. They’re the ones under pressure. not us.”