Horsham United was celebrating its 1988 premiership success where it beat Warracknabeal, but there would be no fairytale finish on this occasion.

Warrack Eagles coach Harvey Lang said the performance was confidence boosting, leading in to Saturday's qualifying final.

"It was a really good team effort," Lang said.

"We attacked the ball hard, and we had a six-goal last quarter and played some really good football."

The Diggers were boosted by the return of key player Josh Mibus, but were never in the contest as the Eagles dominated from the outset.

Horsham United coach Guy Smith said Mibus' return was good for the club.

"He decided to come back and get a touch," Smith said.

Smith said he was unsure whether the game might be Mibus' last in Diggers colours.

"Whenever we have talked about his future it has always been positive." he said.

"He is a big part of our side, and he is a class act so people are going to chase him, as they do every year.

"Mibo is a pretty straight- forward kind of guy so when he decides what he is going to do, he will be straight up and we certainly want him to stay on as our assistant coach."

Smith also made a return to the field after retiring earlier this season, but said it was likely to be his last appearance.

Lang said Guy McGrath was a fortress in defence, while Brad Krahe, Cade Wellington who kicked five goals, and Todd George were the standouts.

Shannon Argall and Justin Garth were best for the Diggers.

Smith said the Diggers had plenty of positives to draw on for next season.

"I have been more than happy with the under-17 kids that have come up and filled in and given us a bit more run and speed," he said.

"It was always going to be a tough year when you are without Mibo and Chambo (Luke Chamberlain) for most of the year.

"We will recruit heavily in the off-season, and most importantly keep what we have got because the young blokes have come a long way."

Dean Gunn returned for the Eagles, while key backman Andrew Bell again missed and is a doubtful starter for Saturday's match.