Wimmera: Former Koroit star Jarrod Korewha debuts for Ararat

Undefeated Ararat has topped up its talented line-up with a multiple premiership player from Koroit. Find out who.

Ararat’s assault on a drought-breaking Wimmera league premiership has been given a major boost with the first senior appearance of versatile big man Jarrod Korewha.

Korewha made his debut on Saturday in the Rats’ 62-point demolition of Stawell to remain undefeated.

He is a multiple premiership player with Hampden league powerhouse Koroit and has linked up with former North Ballarat Rebels teammate Tom Williamson after recovering from a shoulder reconstruction.

Williamson booted five goals in the win over Stawell and has returned to Ararat after playing 44 matches with Carlton.

Ararat first-gamer Jarrod Korewha is tackled by Stawell’s Mitch Thorpe. Pictures: Yuri Kouzmin

Korewha played reserves the previous week and spent most of his first senior match in the ruck before going forward briefly.

Ararat coach Matt Walder said Korewha agreed to join the Rats just before the June 30 clearance deadline.

“It was something bubbling away in the background, but once he got himself fit we were able to make it happen,” he said.

Korewha kicked 36 goals including a season-best 10 against Terang-Mortlake last year.

Ararat, which hasn’t won a flag since 2001, lost last year’s grand final to Minyip-Murtoa after being minor premiers with a 13-3 win-loss record at the end of the home and away rounds.

Tom Williamson celebrates one of his five goals for Ararat.

The Rats have covered the departure of topliners from last year Liam Cavanagh, Matthew Hutchesson and Ben Christodoulou with the addition of Williamson, former club best and fairest Jack Ganley and Korewha.

The development of youngsters Flynn Toner, Luke Spalding and Kade Bohner has also helped the Rats be the team to beat.

“We are a lot more even this year,” Walder said.

“Some rapid growth of our 17 to 20-year-olds in the past 12 months has also really helped.

“Two or three have come on in leaps and bounds.”

Ararat’s Ethan Summers launches over the top.

Ararat plays every other team in the top five in the last four rounds of the season with the tough run starting against third-placed Southern Mallee Giants on Saturday.

Stawell’s Jarrod Stafford takes front position for a marking contest.

Stawell’s Jesse Barber stops Ararat’s Robert Armstrong from breaking away.

Stawell’s Sean Manteli fends off Ararat’s Jake Robinson.

Former Carlton player Tom Williamson has returned to his original club Ararat this season.

Stawell’s Jacob Salmi tackles Ararat’s Daniel Mendes.

Ararat’s Jack Ganley, left, has returned to the club this season.

Stawell’s Riley Ika gathers the ball as Ararat’s Robert Armstrong comes into tackle.

Ararat’s Daniel Mendes breaks free.

Stawell’s Jackson Dark and Ararat’s Daniel Mendes compete for the ball.

Ararat’s Daniel Mendes has eyes for the ball.

Stawell’s Thomas Eckel spoils Ararat’s Jake Williamson.

Ararat’s Tom Cousins is sandwiched between Stawell duo Jesse Barber and Riley Ika.

Ararat’s Baydn Cosgriff arrives late to upset Stawell duo Kyan Mellour and Tom Walker.