The Warriors premiership contention credentials will be tested on Saturday when they take on ladder leaders Minyip-Murtoa.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It is a big day on and off the field for Stawell as it celebrates its 1987 Wimmera Football League senior premiership and 2007 reserves premiership.
“It is a massive day for the club,” Stawell coach Tom Eckel said.
“All the boys want to put in a good performance in front of the premiership players.”
Stawell currently sit in fourth place, one spot behind Warrack in all important third.
Minyip-Murtoa are undefeated after 11 rounds.
The Warriors lost their round five clash to the Burras by 46 points earlier in the season after a strong start.
Stawell kept Minyip-Murtoa goalless in the first quarter of that match, taking a 19-point lead into quarter time but unable to hold on for much longer after that.
The Warriors were kept scoreless in the final quarter of that match.
Eckel said his team has learnt from the loss.
“Our first half was great. We played some really good football and we will take some positives out of that,” he said.
“We defended really badly in the second half of that game and let them do whatever they wanted.
“Our ball movement wasn’t up to scratch either.
“We will learn from the second half of that game and try to fix the negatives.”
Stawell will make a number of changes to its side, with forward Brent Tuckey a potential inclusion.
“We have a lot of changes for this week,” Eckel said.
“We will wait and see with Brent and give him every chance to get up for the game.”
The Warriors will lose Jackson Taurau and Naish McRoberts who return to the Greater Western Victoria Rebels for TAC Cup duties.
Taurau and McRoberts were once again standouts for Stawell, continuing to dominate when they return to play in the Wimmera league.
“They are definitely performing when they come back to play for us,” Eckel said.
“They are both great athletes. Jack is like a bull and is so strong while Naish has great pace and skill.
“Not many clubs have the luxury of being able to bring such talented players back into their team.
“We just wish we could have them every week.”
McRoberts has been in Stawell’s best in three out of the four games he has played, with Taurau best on ground in two of his four matches.
Stawell will need to be at its attacking best to beat the Burras, the best defensive side in the competition.
The Burras concede an average of just 45.5 points per game
Stawell boast two of the leagues top five goal kickers in Travis Graham and David Andrivon.
The pair has combined for 65 goals between them.
