In cold and wet conditions, the Rats showed their strength in an impressive second half, running away with a 29 point victory against Horsham.

The game started in mostly sunshine, and kicking with a strong breeze in the opening quarter, the Rats took a 14 point lead by quarter time.

The rain began to pour in the second term, making it difficult for either side to move the ball with fluency.

Horsham maintained a territorial advantage for much of the term, but couldn't capitalise on the scoreboard.

Veteran full-forward Garret Liston eventually broke the drought for the Dees, bouncing through a classy snap around the corner 11 minutes in.

Hayden Kemp then kicked the first of his four goals for the afternoon to cut the margin to one point.

Horsham looked dangerous, but Ararat seized back the momentum before half time with a ripping goal from Jordan Thomas. Kicking against the breeze, 40 metres out and on the boundary, Thomas somehow found the middle of the big sticks to give the Rats a seven point half-time lead.

The breeze died off slightly to start the second half, and Ararat couldn't find an early third quarter goal.

But 10 minutes into the term, Horsham's Kyle Dumesny was sent off for dissent, and the Rats took the ascendancy.

From the free kick, big man Zach Louder - who was later adjudged best on ground - roosted through a goal from 50 metres. Rats' Dylan Gordge then received a free kick and booted an easy goal.

As the Rats sensed victory and Horsham's premiership hopes slipped away, the pressure around the football lifted another gear late in the third quarter.

Horsham's Benson Miller let a great chance go begging, spraying a set shot from 25 metres out.

Ararat held a 23 point lead heading into the last quarter, and quickly put the game to bed, as Francis Vernon kicked a goal in the opening minute of the final quarter.

Several undisciplined 50 metre penalties sealed Horsham's fate, as Ararat capitalised on its opportunities and coasted to the club's first reserves football premiership in 13 years.

The final score was Ararat 10.10 (70) to Horsham 6.5 (41).

Rats coach Aidan Moar said it was a special feeling.

"It's 13 years in the making," he said.

"Just to see the supporters here today and how much it means to the club, it brings tears to your eyes. It's just amazing."

Moar said it was a great way to cap off an undefeated season.

"We started pre-season last year, it was entrenched from the seniors and what Shane Fisher was able to do," Moar said.

"It's just the mentality. To be able to have the process of what we want to do and have the boys committed, that's ultimately why we've won today.

"We'll really enjoy this."

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