Football
17 June, 2024
Thunder strengthen premiership credentials
The Southern Mallee Thunder strengthened their premiership credentials with a 24-point win over Stawell at Beulah Memorial Park in round eight of the Wimmera Football Netball League.
The Thunder applied defensive pressure early, not allowing the Warriors to get free movement inside their forward half. That allowed them to attack and it was Brad Lowe kicking the opening goal of the game.
The Thunder had complete control of the quarter, but could only manage one more goal through Tom Clarke as five missed chances saw them enter quarter time with a 17-point lead.
Not having a score on the board, but still being in the game, Tom Eckel's message to his troops at quarter time was to back themselves in and be better at decision-making rather than play into the Thunder's hands.
Like the first quarter, the Thunder controlled the second with inaccurate kicking the story of the quarter. They kicked six behinds alongside their two goals to take a 28-point lead into half time. The Warriors got their first goal through Cody Driscoll at the halfway mark of the quarter.
As all good teams do, Stawell didn't give up and took it to the Thunder in the quarter, at one stage getting the lead under 20 points, but the Thunder held firm to take a 26-point lead into three quarter time.
Stawell battled valiantly, but the Thunder were too strong in the last quarter, winning 7.15.57 to 4.10.34.
Brad Lowe kicked a game-high three goals for the Thunder with Billy Lloyd best on the ground. Sam White, Jake Garvey and Leigh Stewart also were among the best.
For the Warriors, Aiden Graveson was great in the ruck with Mitchel Taylor solid in defence.
Saints win thriller over Roos
Dubbed an eight-point game by many in the context of both team's seasons, it was the Horsham Saints that prevailed by six points over Dimboola at Coughlin Park.
With both teams needing a win, the first quarter was tight as both teams kicked five goals four, to be all-square at quarter time.
The Roos kicked four goals to three in the second quarter to take a six-point lead into half time.
The Saints started to get on top in the third quarter, kicking four goals to one to lead by 16 points at the last break.
The Roos fought back in the last, outscoring the Saints, but fell short with the Saints winning 13.13.91 to 13.7.85.
Nathan Koenig kicked four goals for the Saints with Mitch Martin back to his brilliant best, with a best-on-the-ground display through the midfield kicking two goals. Sam Clyne and Cody Bryan were also among the best for the Saints.
Jackson Calder was Dimboola's best with six goals with Jonathan Ross, Dylan Landt and Ashley Clugston among their best.
Saints coach Ben Knott said it was a great victory.
"It was pleasing to get the win. They have good players and we needed to focus on our defensive side of the game and we nullified some of their good players, which was pleasing," Knott said.
"Mitch Martin has had a good month after a slow start to the year. He is playing a lot of midfield and can push forward and kick goals which is pleasing.
"He is our best ball user and we want the ball in his hands and he is in a nice purple patch at the moment."
Demons continue to roll with a comfortable victory over Eagles
At Anzac Park, a blistering first half from the Demons saw them win comfortably over the Eagles by 58 points.
The Demons were relentless early, holding the Eagles scoreless as they kicked six goals themselves to lead by 38 points at quarter time.
The second quarter was equally as damaging, adding another six goals nine behinds to lead by 73 points at half time.
With the damage already done, they took their foot off the pedal in the second half with the Eagles outscoring them by 15 points, to run out 19.15.129 to 10.11.71 winners.
Jordan Motton kicked five goals for the Demons with Tyler Blake, Billy Carberry, Benjamin Janetzki, Brody Pope and Matthew Long all among their best players.
For the Eagles, veteran Kyle Cheney kicked a game-high six goals with Jake O'Donnell, Machok Garang, Lachie Stewart, Ryan McKenzie and Declan Powell among their best.
Demons coach Jordy Burke said he is happy with the win but also that it was a bit frustrating at times as well.
"In the first half we were good and after a break, it's always in the back of your mind about going out slow, but to the boy's credit their pressure was fantastic and we got off to a good start," Burke said.
"In the second half, we overused the footy quite a bit. We needed to be more direct, but credit to the Eagles. Their pressure went up and they were playing a lot better."
Burke was pleased that Jordan Motton hit the scoreboard with five goals.
"He is starting to find form. His confidence was low earlier in the season and now we are giving him better usage, he is taking his opportunities and his confidence is up," Burke said.
"He is taking his marks and he has been working hard on everything at training so it is good to see him get the rewards of his hard work."
Williamson's eight steers Rats to a massive win
At Alexandra Oval, Ararat moved a game clear on the top of the ladder with a comfortable 67-point win over Nhill, thanks largely to an eight-goal haul by Tom Williamson.
The Rats held the Tigers goalless in the first quarter, kicking five goals themselves to take a handy 31-point lead into quarter time.
They extended that margin to 39 points at the main break and then 46 at three quarter time. The last quarter was a formality as they kicked five goals to two to win 17.13.115 to 7.6.48.
Matthew Spalding, Flynn Toner and Jake Robinson were all among the best players for the Rats with Williamson.
For the Tigers, Daniel Batson kicked two goals whilst Matt Kennedy, Xavier Bone and Glen Saniong were among their best.