Football
1 August, 2025
Burras look for breathing space
Minyip Murtoa are one of a number of teams fighting for an appearance in finals this season.
The Burras are currently fourth on percentage but on equal points with the Thunder (fifth) and Dimboola (sixth),
But the challenge for Minyip Murtoa doesn't get any harder than this week, with the team playing Ararat, the ladder leaders.
Rounding out their season, the Burras will play Horsham Saints in round 16, Nhill the following week and finish the fixture with the Demons.
But they'll be keen to claim every win they can to attempt to secure a finals place and give themselves some breathing space.
This includes attempting to bring home the chocolates against their opposition this week, even if it is a big and daunting task.
In the Burras' favour is the fact they have come closer than any other side this season to defeating the ladder leaders.
On May 24 the sides met at Murtoa Recreation Reserve, with final scores being 9.7 (61) to 12.9 (81).
In that game the Burras got off to a slow start, down by 19 points at the end of the first quarter, and that difference remained, give or take a few points, at the end of each term for the entirety of the game.
Ararat co-coach Tim Mills recognised the threat posed by Minyip Murtoa but said his side was looking forward to another challenge.
"It was only 20 points last time – it was close most of the game – so we are looking forward to it," Mills said.
"But it's not going to be easy; it's going to be tough."
Asked why he thought Minyip Murtoa matched up against his side so well, Mills said he put it down to the personnel.
"I think it's their big bodies," he said.
"We've got bigger bodies around the midfield as well and I think they match up pretty well there.
"If there are lots of stoppages they are able to wear us down in that aspect."
Mills said, as expected when a side hadn't dropped a game all season at this point of the year, the feeling was great within the team, depsite it still not being at full strength.
"Everyone is in high spirits," he said.
"We are not at full strength yet but hopefully over the next couple of weeks, we will be."
Mills said he hoped to make his own return to the field this week.
"Naish McRoberts and Brayden Draffin are out at the moment and I didn't play last week, although I haven't played much all year," he said.
"There are still a few others who are borderline there as well."