General News
7 August, 2025
Thunder rolling into finals
The Southern Mallee Thunder seniors have strengthened their grip on a finals berth with a convincing 28 point win over Horsham Saints in Round 16 of the Wimmera Football Netball League.
The Thunder travelled to Coughlin Park and weathered an early storm to run out 13.10 (88) to 9.6 (60) victors, creating vital breathing room in the top four as the home and away season nears its end.
The Saints came out firing, piling on five unanswered goals to hold a commanding 29 point lead at the first break.
But the Thunder regrouped quickly, turning the game on its head in the second quarter with a six goal blitz that saw them hit the front by half time, 7.4 (46) to 6.3 (39).
From there it was all Southern Mallee. They extended their lead to 14 points at the final change and finished the job strongly to claim the four points.
Coach Kieran Delahunty praised his side’s ability to reset after a shaky opening term.
“They got the jump on us, but to be honest, we had the footy in our forward 50 for probably the first 10 or 15 minutes - we just couldn’t capitalise,” Delahunty said.
“To their credit, every time they went down their end they were scoring. We just had to get back to basics, win the contested footy and get it going our way - and we did.”
The wind was a genuine team effort, with Delahunty highlighting multiple contributors.
“Kai Sheers got the reward on the scoreboard, kicking five goals, and was super,” he said.
“Tommy Clarke was good up forward as well, and the Long boys were solid down back.”
Best players for the Thunder included Sheers, Billy Lloyd, Lou White, Heath Smith, Angus McSweyn and Coleman Schache.
The win puts the Thunder a full game clear in fourth spot, trailing Ararat (56 points), Nhill (40) and Stawell (36), with Minyip Murtoa and Dimboola both two games adrift on 24 points.
Final score: Thunder - 13.10 (88) def. Saints - 9.6 (60).
Best, Thunder - Kai Sheers, Lou White, Billy Lloyd, Heath Smith, Angus McSweyn, Coleman Schache. Saints - Judd Wright, Gage Wright, Sam Clyne, Mitch Martin, Angus Vincent, Jackson Davidson
The Reserves may not have claimed the win on Saturday, but they made the Horsham Saints earn every bit of their 68 point victory in a spirited contest.
Taking on the second placed Saints, the Thunder were bolstered by the return of Jake Parry and Jonty Bellinger from senior duties, as well as the welcome inclusion of Tom Schumann, who slotted seamlessly back into the side and finished the game as one of the best on ground.
Despite a scoreboard that showed the Saints in control at every break, the Thunder showed moments of real fight, particularly through the middle stages of the match.
Hudson McCredden was electric across the ground and named best afield for the Thunder, using his pace and smarts to create opportunities. Schumann’s two gaol return was a highlight, while Ben McGee chipped in with three of his own in a solid forward performance.
Matthew Thomas also impressed with his ruck work and contest.
Reliable contributors Jason Box and Jaime Eckermann helped steady the ship in defence and around the ball, while Bellinger, Parker Gould and Adam Schulz each added their names to the goal kickers list.
Final score, Saints - 18.12 (12) def. Thunder - 8.4 (52)
Best, Saints - Alistair Byrne, Arden Sordello, Gavin Kelm, Daniel Rees, Rory Cameron, Bowen Friend. Thunder - Hudson McCredden, Thomas Schumann, Ben McGee, Matthew Thomas, Jason Box, Jaime Eckermann
Southern Mallee Thunder’s Under 17s showed plenty of fight against a slick Horsham Saints outfit on Saturday, but were ultimately outclassed across four quarters.
The Saints came out firing, kicking the first three goals of the match before Parker Gould opened Thunder’s account late in the first term.
Despite some positive passages, the home side took a 5.3 (33) to 1.1 (7) lead into the first break.
The second quarter saw a surge from the Thunder midfield, who lifted their intensity and gave their forwards more opportunity.
After the Saints kicked the first two majors of the quarter, the Thunder responded with four straight goals, courtesy of Evan Keller, Will Fisher, Parker Gould and Jackson Moore.
The margin was reduced to just 14 points at the main break, with scores reading Saints 7.3 (45) to Thunder 5.1 (31).
Unfortunately, Thunder’s momentum stalled in the third term. While they created a couple of chances, they were unable to convert, while the Saints made the most of theirs to add four more goals to their tally.
In the final quarter, the Thunder kept pushing, and were rewarded when Axel Decker slotted his first goal for the season, a deserved highlight for the young forward. However the Saints continued their efficiency up forward, finishing with 4.2 for the term compared to Thunder’s 1.4.
Zander Eckermann was a standout with a consistent four quarter performance, while Max Roberts, Oliver Credlin and Spencer Williams also put in strong efforts across the ground.
Final score, Saints - 15.6 (96) def. Thunder - 6.7 (43).
Best, Saints - Max Inkster, Bodey Wilde, Jack Combe, Chase Kannar, Jed Pohlner, Max Murray. Thunder - Zander Eckermann, Will Fisher, Max Roberts, Oliver Credlin, Parker Gould, Spencer Williams.
Round 15 saw the Southern Mallee Thunder Under 14s take on the Horsham Saints at Coughlin Park in Horsham. Despite a challenging day on the scoreboard, Thunder again showed moments of promise and determination, particularly early in the contest.
Thunder flew out of the blocks, winning the first centre clearance and posting the first score of the game with a behind.
They dominated possession for much of the opening stages, controlling the stoppages and playing with great intensity.
Unfortunately, they couldn’t turn that early momentum into meaningful scoreboard pressure, with that single point ultimately becoming their only score before the mercy rule was enforced.
Despite dominating clearances and working hard to move the ball forward, Thunder struggled to penetrate the Saints’ rock-solid bacline, who continually intercepted and launched counterattacks with precision.
The Saints capitalised on nearly every forward 50 entry, running in waves and converting their opportunities with ruthless efficiency to finish with 10 goals two behinds before the mercy rule came into effect just before halftime.
While the final result didn’t go Thunder’s way, it once again didn’t reflect the team’s effort or endeavour.
Edison Stasinowsky continued his brilliant run of form, delivering another tireless performance in the ruck.
He gave the midfielder first use of the ball and was deservedly named Thunder’s best player.
Axel Decker showed great courage and composure, running in straight lines out of defence to repel attacks.
Lawson Hallam worked hard across half-forward, presenting as a constant option and applying pressure.
Sasha Pettigrew’s running power was a highlight - he covered ground all day and wore down his opponents with relentless effort.
Kolby Bigham led with voice and determination, helping lift his teammates around the contest, while Colt Decker played a vital all-round role, offering support across the ground in both defence and attack.
Though the Saints proved too strong on the day, the Thunder’s ability to compete hard at the contest and maintain effort remains a strength.
With just a few games to go, the team will look to finish the season with the same commitment that’s become their hallmark in 2025.
Saints - 10.1 (61) def. Thunder - 0.1 (1)
Best, Saints - Chase Koenig, Zachary O’Connoor, Nate Bacon, Hylton Penfold, Hugh Miller, Ranger Uebergang. Thunder - Edison Stasinowsky, Axel Decker, Lawson Hallam, Sasha Pettigrew, Kolby Bigham, Colt Decker
