Sport
15 July, 2026
Thunder succumb to fast-finishing Saints
Wet and windy conditions didn't help the Thunder in their plight to beat the now-outright ladder leaders, the Saints, on Saturday.
The Horsham side got off to a better start on Saturday, up by 1.1 at both the end of the first quarter and half-time.
By the end of the third, though, and after holding the Saints to just 0.3 for the quarter, Southern Mallee hit the lead, 3.7 (25) to 3.6 (24).
The gates opened for the Horsham side in the final quarter as they recorded their biggest scoring term, adding 5.6 while holding the opposition to 0.1.
Final scores were the home side at Sir Robert Menzies Park 3.8 (26) to the Horsham Saints 8.12 (60).
While the Saints were best led by Judd Wright and Reid Kuller, better players for the Thunder included Angus McSweyn and Jai Kennealy.
Goal scorers for the home side included Harry McLeod, Rory O’Halloran and Rupert Sangster, while Judd Wright and Mitch Martin booted a couple of majors each for the Saints.
After their loss, the Thunder are now fifth on the ladder.
Thunder coaching director Jake Bridges said the result wasn't the one they wanted.
"But we felt we created enough opportunities throughout the day to play the brand of football we’re trying to build," Bridges said.
"There were periods where we controlled territory, won enough contests and gave ourselves looks, but we weren’t able to capitalise on those opportunities.
"At the other end, we made a few errors that were punished, and that ultimately proved the difference."
Bridges said the side's score wasn't where they needed or wanted it, but that was more about their execution than anything else.
He added they had enough entries and moments to put pressure on the Saints' score but their connection and finishing let them down at times.
"That’s an area we’ll continue to work hard on," Bridges said.
"The biggest learning is that we need to maximise opportunities and maintain composure in key moments.
"There were still plenty of positives in the way we competed and stuck to our system for long periods, so we’ll review it honestly, keep refining our game and look to respond next week."
Bridges said he thought the leaders at the Thunder continued to set the standard with their effort and intent.
"Across the group there were a number of players who competed strongly and stayed committed to our brand for four quarters, even when the game was challenging," he said.
In round 13, Southern Mallee are on the road to Central Park to play Stawell in a clash between fifth and third.
Last time the sides played it was the Thunder who got the win: 11.12 (78) to 9.9.(63).