Sport
28 August, 2025
Thunder sounds warning with strong win
The Southern Mallee Thunder Seniors delivered a commanding performance on Saturday, overpowering performance on Saturday, overpowering Dimboola by 83 points in the final round of the regular season.
The emphatic win locked in third spot for the Thunder and, crucially, a Qualifying Final berth - giving them the safety net of a second chance as they launch into September.
The intent was clear from the outset. Thunder piled on 7.6 in the opening quarter while keeping the Roos scoreless, setting a brutal standard of pressure and ball movement that Dimboola struggled to match.
By half time, the margin had blown out to 61 points, with Thunder’s ability to transition cleanly from the contest proving decisive.
Dimboola finally found their way onto the scoreboard late in the second quarter, but the Thunder continued to dictate terms.
A dominant third term saw the lead stretch to 96 points before the Roos salvaged some pride with a final quarter fightback. The final scores read 21.12 (138) to 8.7 (55).
Sam White was the star in attack for Thunder, slotting six majors in a performance that underlined his importance heading into finals. For Dimboola, Jack Williams was their main target with three goals.
Around the ground, Haydn Drew and Brad Stokes stood tall for the Thunder, while Simon Hobbs and Jack Landt were among the Roos’ best.
The result was not only a confidence boosting win, but also a reminder of Thunder’s credentials as a genuine contender.
Their consistent pressure, clean ball use and ability to maintain intensity for four quarters showed the level required to be successful in finals.
For Dimboola, already locked in the top five, the game served as a reality check against one of the league’s benchmark sides. For Thunder, the performance was a timely statement.
This week, Thunder will meet Tigers in a blockbuster Qualifying Final at Dimboola on Saturday. A win will book them a spot in the second semi final against the undefeated Ararat, and the chance to play for a place in the grand final.
Final score, Thunder - 21.12 (138) def. Roos - 8.7 (55).
Best, Thunder - Brad Stokes, Haydn Drew, Sam White, Kieran Delahunty, Jarrod Stokes, Jackson Fisher. Roos - Simon Hobbs, Jack Landt, Ben Miller, Ashley Clugston, Jack Williams, Mitchell O’Donnell.
The Reserves capped off their 2025 season in style, storming home to a 56 point victory over the Roos in their final outing for the season.
The clash welcomed back several key inclusions, including Tom Schumann pulling on the teal for his second appearance of the year, Lucas Edelsten making his season debut and senior player Zac Robins returning via the Reserves after a concussion sustained against the Saints a few weeks ago.
The Roos had the better of the opening exchanges, using the wind to their advantage to edge ahead by five points at quarter time. But Thunder’s response in the second term was nothing short of ruthless.
With slick ball movement and ferocious pressure, the home side piled on unanswered goals to take a commanding 28 point lead into the main break, a margin that would prove decisive.
Cody Frankel, back from senior duties, was a standout all day, his polish earning him best on ground honours.
Robins also showed his quality, linking up through chains of play and giving Thunder plenty of drive.
If the game wasn’t already decided, the Thunder’s final term onslaught sealed it.
Slamming home 29 points to Domboola’s solitary behind, the teal and black flexed their muscle and finished their season on a high.
The result also condemned Dimboola to the wooden spoon, with Thunder rising above them on percentage despite finishing equal on premiership points.
Veteran Taylor Donnan showed his experience with three goals, while Dean Perkins chipped in with two.
In a true team performance, either other Thunder players also hit the scoreboard.
Perkins’ impact around the ground saw him named among the best, alongside Phoenix Oakley, Declan Brown - fresh from his double duty in Horsham last week - and Hudson McCredden, who rounded out the top performers.
It was a fitting finish for Thunder’s reserves, a dominant win, a spread of contributors and a strong note to end their 2025 campaign.
Final score, Thunder - 13.15 (93) def. Dimboola - 5.7 (37).
Best, Thunder - Cody Frankel, Zac Robins, Dean Perkins, Phoenix Oakley, Declan Brown, Hudson McCredden. Roos - Elliot Braithwaite, Robert Somers, Will Schilling, Jack Wood, Luke Hutchinson, Che Pyers.
Southern Mallee Thunder’s Under 17s footballers closed out their home and away campaign with a commanding 39 point victory over Dimboola on Saturday.
Both sides came in eager to finish the season strongly, but it was the Thunder who settled first and never looked back.
The opening goal came from Caleb Tregenza as Thunder quickly gained control of the contest.
Defenders Spencer Williams and Zander Eckermann were rock solid, holding Dimboola scoreless in the first term while the Thunder added 1.2.
The second quarter showcased Thunder’s midfield depth, with Oliver Credlin, Jackson Moore, Parker Gould and Will Fisher combining to dominate the clearances.
Their efforts were rewarded on the scoreboard as Lenny Weir slotted an early major, followed by Dustin Eckermann’s first of the afternoon.
While Dimboola managed to break through for their opening goal, Thunder kept the pressure on with further goals to Fisher and Ryder Gould, taking a handy 5.8 (38) to 1.1 (7) lead into half time.
After the break, Dimboola opened with a goal, but Parker Gould quickly replied to restore Thunder’s momentum.
Dustin Eckermann and Lenny Weir both added their second goals for the match, extending Thunder’s lead to 8.9 (57) to 2.2 (14) at the final change.
In the last quarter, Will Fisher snapped truly on the run, before Max Spokes provided a strong target in attack and nailed Thunder’s final major.
At the other end, defenders Axel Decker and Jakob Southern were outstanding, ensuring Dimboola had few scoring opportunities.
It was a well rounded team performance that saw Southern Mallee Thunder finish with a 39 point win, a fitting way to round out the home and away season.
Final score, Thunder - 10.10 (70) def. Dimboola - 4.7 (31).
Best, Thunder - Jackson Moore, Ryder Gould, Oliver Credlin, Will Fisher, Lenny Weir, Dustin Eckermann. Roos - Cooper Howlett, Lenny Eldridge, Dane Paech, Lochlan McMahom, Eli Badua, Cody Hoy.
The Under 14s wrapped up their season at home in rainbow, looking to measure their progress after being comprehensively beaten in their earlier meeting with the Roos. From the outset, it was clear Thunder had come to play.
Their effort and intensity were on show right from the first bounce, turning the game into a tight contest for three quarters.
Both side managed to generate forward opportunities, but it was Dimboola who made the most of their chances, while Thunder stayed in the hunt thanks to the Roos’ inaccuracy.
At three quarter time the scoreboard read Thunder 2.2 (14) to Dimboola 3.10 (28), a margin that reflected just how hard Thunder had worked to stay within striking distance.
In the final term, the Roos began to find their range and converted more cleanly in front of goal, kicking away to eventually record a 29 point win.
Despite the margin, Thunder maintained their intensity from start to finish, showing the type of consistent effort that has become their trademark this year.
There were many standouts for the day, Edison Stasinowsky was tireless in the ruck, laying multiple tackles and smothers while giving his onballers first use.
Colt Decker popped up all over the ground, positioning himself smartly and constantly creating opportunities. Lawrenz McIntosh inspired his teammates with relentless second and third efforts in contests, never giving in.
Clancy Weir built an impressive metres gained tally, driving the ball forward with purpose, while Charlie Williams regularly pushed the Thunder into attack.
Up forward, Hugo Gould fought hard, winning several one on one battles to keep his side in the game.
Although the season finished with just two wings, the growth of this young Thunder team has been significant.
Week after week they showed resilience, positivity, and a willingness to fight hard no matter the scoreboard.
The attitude of every player was to give their best each time they pulled on the jumper - an approach that has set the foundations for even greater progress in seasons to come.
Final score, Dimboola - 5.13 (43) def. Thunder - 2.2 (14).
Best, Dimboola - Phrase Dougherty, Liam Clarke, Charlie Taylor, Jaxon Bourke-Finn, Angus Pilmore, Levi Eldridge
Thunder - Edison Stasinowsky, Colt Decker, Lawrenz McIntosh, Clancy Weir, Charlie Williams, Hugo Gould