In near-perfect conditions, the Rats were matched by an inspired Horsham outfit for half of the game, before powering away late to secure a win against their injury-ravaged hosts, 12.12 (84) to 7.10 (52).

Despite handing Horsham its seventh-consecutive loss, Rats coach Shane Fisher lamented his side's incomplete performance.

"There were passages of the game where we played really well and played our real Ararat brand. But there were other passages where we had to chase a Horsham a bit," he said.

"To Horsham's credit, they put it up to us. They're a proud footy club, so we knew they were going to put it up to us.

"So, we got the job done. To win by five or six goals is never easy, especially here."

The Demons took to the field with intent and bagged the first goal of the game to send a nervous shock through the travelling Rats' contingent.

But, the visitors quickly rebounded with a string of goals to enter the first break 13 points in front.

The second quarter delivered moments of individual brilliance, from a Deek Roberts' set-shot outside 50m to a surging Jacob Bates run to set up a goal for his teammate, Daniel Mendes.

Mendes bagged three and was well supported by the returning Lachlan Hamilton, who kicked three majors of his own.

Hamilton was one of four Rats back at the highest level after time spent in the reserves.

"There were a few coming back from injury, so it was good to get a bit of game time into them," Fisher said.

"Four of our starting 18 hadn't played seniors for a long, long time, so it took them a little while to get going, but it was good."

Starting the second half with a 24-point lead, the Rats controlled proceedings for the third term, but for a few flashes of Demons' brilliance.

Bailey Nelson slotted a well-taken set shot deep in the quarter, to collect his third major. Nelson was the only Horsham player to kick multiple goals.

Both sides staggered towards the final siren, that brought with it a notable Ararat achievement heading into finals.

"We've duplicated what we did last season, with 11 wins, which is pleasing," Fisher said. "I think last year people must've thought we went under people's guards a bit and hadn't really recruited much. To do that again and give ourselves another chance (in finals), you couldn't ask for much more."

Elsewhere, the Southern Mallee Giants left it late again to claim a valuable win against the Horsham Saints, 8.11 (59) to 7.14 (56).

The two sides were level heading into the final term, before a Josh Webster goal late in the quarter gifted the Giants the four points.

A seven-goal haul to Jae McGrath pushed Minyip-Murtoa to victory against Nhill, 14.11 (95) to 6.5 (41).

Stawell defeated Dimboola by 75-points to complete the penultimate round.