Football
15 April, 2026
Roos ready for season opener
It's been an extended preseason for Dimboola, but they'll finally kick off their 2026 Wimmera Football Netball season this week.
It is a daunting task waiting for them, though, as they face Ararat, the defending premiers.
While the Andrew Moore-led side has had a delayed start due to the draw, Ararat have played a game and were defeated by Stawell in the opening week of the season.
But led by Tom Williamson, Ararat will be keen to get back on the list of winners this week, and Moore is under no doubt as to how big a challenge the contest will be, as he admitted he has a lot of respect for the Ararat side.
After their delayed start to the season, Moore said it is always interesting to have the bye for the opening round.
"But guys that are old like me need that extra time," laughed Moore.
"We are excited to kick off the season.
"There are that many trainings when there is plenty of time off between the seasons, but we are certainly looking forward to putting our best foot forward for 2026."
Moore said they have been lucky with the health of their players, and on later in the week will finalise their side from the available full line-up.
"But things are looking good in that spice, which is nice," Moore said.
"We've also had a number of guys come back to the club, which has been pleasing, especially from a local view."
Moore said there were several players who had a strong preseason, and he was looking forward to seeing how they progressed during the season.
"Lachlan Mackley is one I would love to see continue his momentum from last year," Moore said.
"He finished off the year really strongly and had a huge impact on the team, especially during the final series, and he hasn't put a foot wrong through preseason.
"I am really looking forward to seeing how he can develop further and continue having a stronger impact on games.
"Tommy O'Dwyer is a player who has come back into the mix at Dimboola, which has been nice.
"He'll play a really strong position up forward, and we will mix him in around other positions."
Acknowledging that despite their loss to Stawell last round, Ararat are still the defending premiers, and Moore said his opposition side will be extremely tough on Saturday.
"We greatly respect them and admire how they go about their footy, and it's going to be a challenge, but one we are looking forward to," Moore said.
"You always want to come up against the best players in the comp, and not only that, but the best team in the comp, and we see them as one of those.
"They will be a big challenge for us."