Sport
21 August, 2025
Thunder crush Demons to lock in top-three spot
Southern Mallee Thunder produced a commanding performance against Horsham, notching a 69 point victory to consolidate their place in the top three.
The result was a far cry from the sides’ previous meeting earlier in the year, when Thunder scraped home by a solitary point.
This time, they stamped their authority early, leading by 18 points at quarter time and extending that margin to 48 at the main break. Horsham responded with a stronger third term, reducing the deficit to 42, but Thunder finished the job in style to record a resounding win.
Sam White was the standout, booting six goals and proving a constant threat in attack. Captain Billy Lloyd and coach Kieran Delahunty were instrumental around the contest, with Delahunty’s work at stoppages setting up numerous forward thrusts.
Coleman Schache and Rupert Sangster each chipped in two goals, while Kai Sheers continued his consistent form with three majors.
Haydn Drew returned strongly to the best list, while the ever-reliable Angus Dewar rounded out the top performers.
Thunder will aim to cement their hold on third position, and the vital double chance, when they face fifth-placed Dimboola in Rainbow this weekend for the final match of the home and away season.
They’ll take confidence from a 40 point win over the Roos earlier in the season.
Final score, Thunder - 17.16 (118) def. Demons - 7.7 (49)
Best, Thunder - Sam White, Billy Lloyd, Kieran Delahunty, Coleman Schache, Haydn Drew, Angus Dewar. Demons - Tyler Blake, Rhys Barber, Benjamin Janetzki, Oakley Farr, Jasper Gunn, Jackson Hoffmann
The reserves endured a tough outing against the third placed Horsham Demons, going down by 114 points at the final siren.
The visitors were competitive early, trailing by only three points at quarter time, but the Demons soon clicked into gear.
A strong second quarter saw Horsham stretch the margin to 46 points at the main break, and from there they controlled proceedings.
Thunder again battled with weekly personnel changes, making consistency difficult. Despite this, Dean Perkins was a standout, awarded best on ground for his composure and leadership across the young Thunder side.
Declan Brown produced a tireless effort in his first of two games for the days, later being called up to senior duties following a warm up injury to a Thunder player.
Jason Box played one of his best matches for the year, while experienced duo Mick Saunders and Jake Parry steadied the side around the contest.
Jaime Eckermann also earned a place among the best players.
Goals to Parry and Dalton Roberts provided the Thunder’s highlights on the scoreboard, but they could manage only a handful of minor scores after half time. At the other end, a seven goal performance from Demon Cody Maybery proved decisive in sealing the result.
The Thunder will finish their season this weekend against Dimboola.
With several players expected to return, they will be aiming to replicate their earlier 40 point victory over the Roos.
Final score, Demons - 20.9 (129) def. Thunder - 2.3 (15)
Best, Demons - Bradley Hartigan, Sam Bigham, Allistair McKinnon, Cody Mayberry, Matthew Kerr, Gibson Perry. Thunder - Dean Perkins, Declan Brown, Jason Box, Mick Saunders, Jake Perry, Jaime Eckermann
The Under 17s made a promising start to their weekend clash with the Horsham Demons but were overpowered as the game wore on, eventually going down by 72 points.
Thunder struck first through goals to Caleb Tregenza and Dustin Eckermann, with Oliver Credlin strong in the ruck and Jackson Moore and Will Fisher busy around the ball.
The Demons his back with three goals before Eckermann added his second, leaving just two points between the sides at the first break.
The second quarter began evenly, highlighted by a long range major from Lenny Weir and the efforts of Fletcher Keller, but Horsham gained the ascendancy with four unanswered goals to lead by 28 points at half time.
Despite the efforts of Max Spokes, Spencer Williams and Weir, Thunder was unable to contain the Demons in the third term, as the margin ballooned to 50 points at the final change. Horsham maintained control in the last quarter, running out comfortable winners.
Final score, Demons - 15.11 (101) def. Thunder - 4.5 (29)
Best, Demons - Chaz Smith, Lincoln Tucker, Zavier Purdue, Henry Waisgott, Zac Martin, Jaega McCall. Thunder - Oliver Credlin, Max Spokes, Dustin Eckermann, Fletcher Keller, Spencer Williams, Lenny Weir
The Southern Mallee Thunder Under 14s travelled to Horsham’s City Oval to take on the Demons in round 17 of WFNL action.
It was always going to be a tough challenge, and the Demons made their intentions clear early, bursting out of the blocks with their strength around the contest and slick ball movement.
They spread the ball with ease in the opening quarter, piling on 5 goals to take control of the match.
To their credit, the Thunder regrouped and lifted their intensity from the second quarter onwards.
Their pressure around the ball increased noticeably, with players sticking tacklers, chasing hard, and smothering possessions to slow down the Demons’ run.
This effort turned the match into a more even contest, and across the second and third terms Thunder were able to restrict the Demons to just four more goals before the mercy rule was applied late in the third quarter.
Even after that, Thunder persisted with their ‘never give up’ mindset. They battled right to the end, finding reward with a well deserved goal in the final quarter while also keeping the Demons goalless after the mercy rule was enforced.
Bella Spokes was superb and named best on ground for the Thunder, playing with fierce determination.
Time and again she laid strong tackles, applied smothers, and then followed up by driving the ball out of defence - often all in the one passage of play.
The Decker brothers, Axel and Colt, both worked tirelessly across the ground, competing hard and providing plenty of run and effort.
Up forward, Finn Shannon and Phoenix Wairau were consistent contributors, presenting strongly across half-forward and keeping the pressure on the Demons’ defence.
Although the Demons proved too strong overall, Thunder’s ability to reset after a tough opening term and compete hard for the remainder of the contest highlighted the team’s resilience and growth.
Their reward of a last-quarter goal was well deserved and a fitting end to a determined performance.
Final score, Demons - 9.6 (60) def. Thunder - 0.0 (0)
Best, Demons - Archie Knight, Nate Ellis, Chavi Sulic, Baxta Wade, Ren Cross, Nixon Broadbear. Thunder - Bella Spokes, Axel Decker, Colt Decker, Finn Shannon, Phoenix Wairau, Charlie Williams
