There was a sense of deja vu at Horsham City Oval as Stawell survived a nail-biting final five minutes to clinch a one-goal win in wintry conditions.

Having trailed at three- quarter-time by 10 points, the Warriors put Horsham to the sword in the last quarter, kicking three quick goals to one in a fierce battle.

The result hung in the balance until the final siren sounded as Horsham rued missed opportunities under finals-like pressure.

Horsham led at every change.

Warriors coach Dale Power said there was a different reaction to this season's triumph.

"The celebrations afterwards were good, but they were nowhere near as much as last year," Power said.

"Last year it was like we had won a premiership instead of just four points, with members and fans rushing onto the ground to celebrate with us.

"It was a little bit more in perspective on Saturday."

Stawell players and fans celebrated in the middle of Horsham City Oval following the match, as a dejected Horsham outfit trod off the ground.

Vocal Stawell fans predominantly filled the grandstand and seemingly easily outnumbered Horsham fans around the ground.

Power said his team would take a lot out of the victory as the business end of the season neared.

"We know if we apply pressure on them, and play good, hard football for four quarters we have a big chance of beating them," he said.

"Our boys have the belief that we can win now, and it shows that last year wasn't a fluke."

He said it was hard to pinpoint standout players with the Warriors turning in an even performance, but highlighted the performances of Ben Williamson on dangerous Horsham forward David Johns, as well as Isaac Rathgeber and Jorah Margetson.

He said the performance of Brent Tuckey, four goals, and Sam Anyon, two goals, up forward after key forward Julian Carr had dislocated his knee was important.

Horsham team manager David Johns said the Demons were not too worried by the result.

"It's not doom and gloom by any stretch of the imagination," Johns said.

"They played well on the day, and we will put this in the memory bank and make sure we don't put in a similar performance when we meet later in the season."

Johns said defender Terry Arnel was the team's best player, while coach Stuart Farr and Garrett Liston were consistent.

Farr suffered a heavy head knock and played most of the second half with his head bandaged. Johns said he would be right to play on Saturday at Nhill.