Football
13 May, 2024
Thunder bounces back with victory over the Saints
The Southern Mallee Thunder bounced back with a comfortable 41-point win over the Horsham Saints at Hopetoun Recreation Reserve.
In a scrappy game, the Thunder put the game to bed early in the first half, kicking five goals and ten behinds to lead by 38 points at halftime.
Only one goal was scored in the third quarter through the Saints and the Thunder ran the game out in the last to win 9.14.68 to 3.9.27.
Nicholas Yarran kicked three goals for the Thunder in his first game of the year, with Liam Nelson, Kieran Delahunty and Jackson Fisher among the best on the ground.
Coach Kieran Delahunty said it was a tough match.
"It wasn't the prettiest of spectacles and it was a game you had to grind out and after being in control early, that is something we did well," Delahunty said.
"The Saints worked back hard into our forward line and got some extra numbers back there making it hard to score, but we fought it out and I thought our defence went well."
The Thunder had a debutant, former Jeparit local Mark Austin who played for the Western Bulldogs and Carlton in the AFL, and Nick Yarran played his first game of the season.
"Matt provided a bit of a target for us up forward and we have the option of swinging him through centre-half back as well," Delahunty said.
"We are still working out how many games he will play for the year, but it looks like it will be a lot more than he will miss, so it's good for the club, not only to have a local back, but someone that played at a high level that the younger guys can learn off."
For the Saints, Mitch Martin was their best player, hitting some form whilst Cody Bryan, Jack Henry and Gage Wright were their goal kickers.
Saints coach Ben Knott said they couldn't capitalise on their opportunities.
"We got it into our forward line early but didn't capitalise and they defended the ground well and moved the ball well," Knott said.
"We then got a few injuries with Fred Frew breaking his collarbone and Nathan Koenig getting concussed, which has been the theme of the season, so we had one on the bench for a lot of the second half.
"To the boy's credit, they fought in the second half and we only lost that half by two points, so we can take a little confidence from that."
Eagles show improvement in loss to Minyip Murtoa
At Anzac Park, Minyip Murtoa defeated the Eagles by 48 points, in what was a much better performance by the Eagles.
Scores were level at quarter time and the Burras got ahead in the second to lead by 15 points at the main break. The Eagles fought hard in the third, only trailing by 18 points at the main break.
The Burras with their experience and bigger bodies kicked six goals in the last quarter to run out 14.19.103 to 8.7.55 winners.
Oscar Gawith was massive for the Burras up forward with six goals whilst Dusty Cross again was one of their best players.
Coach Gareth Hose said it was tough.
"It was pretty close up until halftime and I thought we didn't capitalise on our inside 50s in the first half as we were inaccurate in front of goal and kept them within distance," Hose said.
"With that said, it was a tough match and they were strong around the contest and pushed hard for a long time."
Oscar Gawith's versatility is important for the Burras as the defender has moved up forward a few times this season and kicked goals when needed. Hose praised him.
"He has done it a few times which has been good and we know we can rely on him," Hose said.
"With that said, our midfielders set up the game. Sam Griffiths, Dusty Cross, Ben McIntyre and Luke Fisher were all outstanding."
For the Eagles, William Batson was their best player with Charlie Wilson kicking three goals and the returning Dane Stewart excellent.
Coach Matt Walder said it's pleasing to see them take a step forward.
"We have progressed again and were able to add pressure and have the ability to stop the opposition moving the football and compete more and being more combative was the biggest metric that kept us in the game," Walder said.
"Come three-quarter time the surge was there and we didn't have it in us just yet so there is a little way to go, but it's all baby steps and there is light at the end of the tunnel."
Walder said it was good to have Dane Stewart back in a cameo role as a midfielder/forward.
"Unfortunately we won't see him again but it was good to have him there for a game," Walder said.
"Jake O'Donnell was terrific through the middle and Will Batson played a good game on Tanner Smith.
"Riley Morrow played well off halfback and Charlie Wilson was good up forward.
Stawell run away in the second half to remain unbeaten
At Central Park, Stawell remains unbeaten following a 21-point win over a spirited Nhill.
The Tigers had a two-point lead at quarter time and only trailed by five at half time and could sniff an upset.
Stawell, however, got the ascendancy in the third quarter kicking four goals to two to set up the match, running out 12.11.83 to 9.8.62 winners.
Jackson Dark was best on ground down back for the Warriors with Jack Walker excellent with three goals. Aiden Graveson, Mitchel Taylor and Thomas Eckel all continue their solid seasons.
Recruit, ex-AFL player Marlon Motlop had a great game, further strengthening their list.
Coach Tom Eckel was pleased they ground out a win.
"We didn't play near our best and didn't get going yesterday, but I am still happy we were able to grind out a win two weeks in a row where teams have brought it to us," Eckel said.
"Nhill was good. Their pressure was good and they gave it a good crack and are a much-improved team from previous years."
Eckel was happy they didn't rely on one goal kicker, with a spread of eight players hitting the scoreboard and highlighted Jack Walker, having his best game of the year.
"Jack played off halfback and kicked a couple of goals and then we moved him on the ball in the last quarter and he was good. He is a brilliant runner and gives plenty of drive," Eckel said.
Marlon Motlop traveled from Adelaide on the morning of the game and had a good debut for the club.
"He is easing into it and didn't play too bad," Eckel said.
"A lot of people expect people to come in and star straight away, but he came into a team that he didn't know and played well.
"His skill level is elite and didn't miss many targets so he will get better. He wanted to try something different and being friends with Mitch Taylor, he decided to take the opportunity to play and we are thrilled with that."
For the Tigers, Daniel Batson and Jake McQueen both kicked three goals apiece whilst Nathan Alexander and Jarryd Dahlenberg were also among their best.