Stawell’s reserves footballers will have to have a quick turnaround of form if they are to have any chance of defending their 2016 premiership.
The Warriors’ second football side will play Ararat in an elimination final at Murtoa on Sunday, just one week after suffering a 29-point loss to the Rats.
Stawell have struggled in their premiership defending season – breaking even with eight wins and eight losses.
The Warriors had the better of the Rats when they met in round one and round eight, but could not repeat those efforts last week.
Stawell’s football group has been decimated with injuries, leading to a drop in form at the back end of the season to both senior and reserves teams.
Stawell reserves coach Marc Brilliant said it has been a tough season so far.
“Things probably haven’t worked out too well for us this year,” he said.
“The key in the reserves is just to make the finals and see how it goes from there.
“There will probably be a heap of changes for both us and Ararat so I would expect a much different game from last week.” Stawell’s reserves have not won a game since July 22. Conversely, Stawell’s under 17 footballers will play off in a qualifying final on Saturday against the Horsham Saints.
A win will see the junior Warriors set up another qualifying final against Ararat for a chance to progress straight to the grand final.
The under 17 Warriors have had an up and down year, but are capable of beating any team at their best.
