Great Western were dealt an early blow when Aaron Williams, Matt Gregory and Nemani Valucava were all late withdrawals.

Shannon Notting showed his passion for the club by pulling on the boots again.

Andrew Beckwith and Marcus Elliott both stepped up to the senior level after playing an earlier game.

To change the flow of things coach Andrew Bach passed the baton to his players to run their own pre game meeting. The players reinforced the coaches message, but they were unable to act on it.

Lions were hoping to bounce back after a dismal performance against Moyston Willaura, but they were unsuccessful.

Lions thought they were better than Ararat Eagles and with little respect the Lions were quickly over ran.

Bach was disappointed in his players for not paying Ararat Eagles any respect.

“We had no respect for our opposition, and it isn't the first time this year,” Bach said.

“Eagles wanted to ball more and they wanted to win more than what we did.”

The Lions led at quarter time, but in the second quarter they were outplayed. Ararat won their own football and were able to control the game.

Their accuracy in front of goal was questionable.

Ararat Eagles had 14 more scoring shots than the Lions, but they continued to pepper the points. Their poor kicking in front of goal gave Lions a chance.

Lions led by three points going into the last quarter.

After kicking four goals to Great Western’s one Ararat were able to get the job done and secure their first win in more than two seasons.

Notting was the Lions only target in the forward line finishing with a game high five goals.

Brent Bulger also kicked five goals for Ararat Eagles.

Notting found himself in the best for the Lions however best on ground went to Luke Notting. Chris Bourke, Kody Dern, Rayne Salmon, and Andrew Beckwith held their own.

Lions will play three of the top five teams over the next three weeks.

“We want to get something out of this season,” Bach said.

“That means players need to start turning up with the right attitude.”