Sport
13 May, 2026
Thunder topple unbeaten Warriors
The Thunder got the four points over the Warriors in the fourth round of the Wimmera Football Netball League season, 11.12 (78) to 9.9 (63).
Southern Mallee, looking for their third victory in a row, got off to a brilliant start to be up by 13 points at the end of the first quarter.
But Stawell returned serve in the second, and scores were tied at half-time at 42 apiece.
While the Thunder added 2.2 to their score in the quarter after the big break, the Warriors could manage only a goal, with the advantage to Stawell eight points going into the final term.
It was the Jake Bridges-led side that had the better finish, adding 3.4 to their tally compared to the opposition's 2.3, rewarding the Thunder with the four points.
The Thunder were buoyed by the efforts of Coleman Schache, Harry McLeod and Rupert Sangster, while the Warriors were led by Jesse Galea-Portelli, Josh Fowkes and Thomas Eckel.
Southern Mallee had five players who found the big sticks a couple of times, including captin Billy Lloyd and Kieran Delahunty.
Likewise, Cody Driscoll and Sunny Braizer both kicked a couple of majors for Stawell.
Thunder coaching director Jake Bridges said it was pleasing the side held their composure and stuck to their game plan for the entire four quarters.
"Against a quality unbeaten Stawell side, we stayed connected, stayed in the fight and trusted our system when the game was on the line," Bridges said.
With even scores at half-time, Bridges said the message to his charges was pretty simple: "stay patient and keep backing what's working".
"We felt we were in the contest, we just needed to tidy up a few moments and keep bringing pressure around the ball," Bridges said.
But in the end, Bridges said, the difference between the sides was the Thunder's contest work and ability to win key moments late.
"In tight games your discipline and effort around the footy becomes critical and I thought our boys stood up," Bridges said.
While saying there were a few players who stood out for their performances, Bridges credited the efforts of their leaders, describing them as "enormous".
"Their ability to compete, organise and bring others into the game was really important, especially when momentum shifted," Bridges said.
Now sitting at 3-1 for the season, Bridges said their three wins in a row were a credit to the group's buy-in.
"They’ve been really consistent with their habits and their connection to each other," he said.
"Our results are a reflection of the standards the team is setting more than anything."
This week Dimboola awaits the Thunder, with the clash scheduled for Dimboola Recreation Reserve.
Dimboola have had a rocky start to the season, and are yet to register a win.