Football
26 June, 2025
Thunder bounce back with convincing victory
There’s barely a breath between fifth and sixth on the Wimmera Football Netball league ladder after the last round, but it was the Southern Mallee Thunder seniors who came out on top in a critical clash, defeating Dimboola 15.7 (97) to 8.9 (57).
Both teams now sit on 16 points, with Dimboola narrowly ahead on percentage - 98.90 to Thunder’s 97.06 - but it was Thunder who sent a clear message on the field.
The match was set up in a dominant first half, with Thunder racing to a 32-15 lead at quarter time and piling on six goals to one in the second term to go into the main break with a commanding 69-21 advantage.
Although Dimboola edged closer in the second half, Thunder had already done the damage with their fierce pressure, fast ball movement and willingness to win the contested footy - hallmarks of their best football.
Sam White led the way up forward with four goals, while Coleman Schache, in his 150th milestone match, and Xavier Oakley were instrumental through the middle and around the ground.
Brad Stokes was a steady contributor off half back, while the Thunder defence, led by Bailey Morrish and Angus Dewar, held firm despite a late push from the Roos.
With momentum on their side, Thunder will now be eyeing off a top-five finish as they head into the back half of the season, knowing performances like Saturday’s set the benchmark for what this group is capable of.
Final score, Thunder - 15.7 (97) def. Roos - 8.9 (57)
Best, Thunder - Coleman Schache, Xavier Oakley, Bailey Morrish, Angus Dewar, Jake Garvey, Angus McSweyn.
Roos - Evan Hunter, Ben Miller, Simon Hobbs, Mitchell O’Donnell, Jackson O’Neill, Simon Nuske.
The Reserves kept their finals ambitions alive on Saturday with a strong 40 point win over Dimboola, dispatching the bottom placed Roos 13.12 (90) to 7.8 (50).
The win sees Thunder stay within striking distance of the top five, though percentage remains an issue the side will need to address as the season heats up.
With a trip to Stawell looming this weekend, the boys in teal know there’s still work to be done.
Thunder came out firing, dominating the opening term to lead by 25 points at the first break.
Dimboola managed to steady in the second quarter and trimmed the margin to 20 points at half time, a gap that remained through a tightly contested third term.
But it was all Thunder in the last, as they ran over the top of the home side with a flurry of goals to seal the win.
Jakob Cocks was a standout, earning unanimous best-on-ground honours with a commanding performance.
Cody Frankel continues to make his mark with another strong showing, while Taylor Butler was superb in his second Thunder game, clunking everything that came his way and finishing with three majors.
The Thunder also welcomed back Dean Perkins, whose presence lifted the group, while Declan Brown and Jonty Bellinger also impressed, rounding out a solid all round team performance.
With belief building and momentum growing, Thunder will not turn their attention to a crucial clash with Stawell - and a chance to keep their finals dream alive.
Best, Thunder - Jakob Cocks, Cody Frankel, Taylor Butler, Dean Perkins, Declan Brown, Jonty Bellinger.
Roos - Robert Somers, Elliot Braithwaite, Jordan Johns, Alex Zippel, Angus Barry, Luke Hunter.
Thunder’s Under 17s returned to the winner’s list on Saturday with a hard fought 14 point victory over Dimboola, showing grit and determination across four quarters in a game filled with momentum swings.
The match opened with fierce intensity as both midfields went head to head early, but it was Thunder who broke through first with a long range goal from Dustin Eckermann.
The Thunder defence held firm under repeated pressure, with Spencer Wiliams leading the backline and turning away several Dimboola attacks.
Lenny Weir snapped truly for a classy first quarter major, while Ryder Gould provided spark and run off the wing, slotting two goals in an impressive opening term.
Thunder finished the quarter with four goals to the Roos’ two, stamping their early authority on the contest.
Dimboola responded in the second term, tightening up defensively and holding Thunder goalless while managing one goal themselves to close the gap heading into the main break.
The third quarter saw the Roos continue their fightback, kicking two goals to Thunder’s one - a steady finish from Jackson Moore keeping the teal side in touch.
Parker Gould played a selfless role at centre half forward and through the midfield, creating space and opportunities for teammates, while Fletcher Keller worked tirelessly at the coalface to keep the engine room ticking.
In the final quarter, Thunder rediscovered their early form.
Jakob Southern slotted his first goal of the season with a sharp set shot from the pocket, Max Roberts nailed a running goal, and Oliver Credlin capped off the win with a composed set shot after the final siren, sealing the 14 point win.
It was a game full of individual highlights and team first efforts - a promising sign for the Thunder as the season progresses.
Final score, Thunder - 8.9 (57) def. Roos - 6.7 (43)
Best, Thunder - Spencer Williams, Ryder Gould, Parker Gould, Fletcher Keller, Oliver Credlin, Leith Horman.
Roos - Declan Paech, Reef Ward, Lenny Eldridge, Cooper Howlett, Eli Badua, Luke Hunter.
The Southern Mallee Thunder Under 14s faced a tough challenge on Saturday, taking on the Dimboola Roos away from home with just 17 players and several key tall and experienced players unavailable.
It was always going to be a big ask, but the game presented a valuable opportunity for the younger and less experienced Thunder players to step up against quality opposition.
From the opening bounce, Dimboola showed they meant business, dominating stoppages and keeping the ball camped in their forward half.
The Thunder defence was under constant pressure and, despite their best efforts, struggled to clear the ball out of the back 50.
The relentless forward entries from the Roos eventually wore the Thunder down, with the mercy rule coming into effect early in the third quarter.
While the scoreboard didn’t reflect the Thunder’s effort, there were still plenty of individual positives to take away.
Ned Jones worked hard with limited opportunities, contesting every ball and fighting to keep his team in the game.
Hugo Gould managed to find space on occasion and looked threatening when the ball came his way.
Will Glen made an encouraging return in his first game for the year, impressing with his pressure and attack on the football.
Colt Decker continued his consistent form, busy across all areas of the ground and regularly first to the contest.
Edison Stasinowsky again stood out with his determined effort and refusal to give in, even when the odds were stacked against his team.
In defence, Bella Spokes played a vital role as a key back, producing countless defensive acts and doing everything she could to repel the Roos’ attacks.
Her leadership and resilience under pressure were a highlight in an otherwise difficult outing.
Despite the loss, the Thunder can be proud of their effort and the spirit shown by the team, especially given the circumstances.
With more players expected to return in the coming weeks, the Thunder will look to regroup and continue building towards stronger performances.
Final score, Roos - 8.12 (60) def. Thunder - 0.0 (0)
Best: Roos - Jasper Ward, Charlie Taylor, Liam Clarke, Mason Cameron, Beauty Ellie, Blake Dixon.
Thunder - Bella Spokes, Edison Stasinowsky, Colt Decker, Will Glen, Hugo Gould, Ned Jones.
Under 11s Horsham Lanes & Games - George Cook. Warrack Electrical & Refrigeration - Wyatt Littlejohns. Mentions - Hunter Poynton & Lucas Moore.
Auskick Thunder Canteen Vouchers - Arthur Roberts and Jolana Pettigrew
