Football
19 June, 2025
Mixed results for Thunder's lower grades
Southern Mallee Thunder’s Reserves faced a tough challenge on Saturday, going down to a polished Horsham Demons side by 57 points.
The Demons made a strong start, taking a 15-point lead into quarter time and steadily building on their advantage as the game progressed.
By half time the margin had grown to 33 points, with the Demons continuing to control the contest through the midfield.
Thunder worked hard to stay in the game, but the visitors extended their lead to 51 points at the final break and maintained their momentum through the last quarter to seal a comprehensive win.
Despite the scoreboard, there were plenty of positives for Thunder. Jakob Cocks was named best afield, working hard across half forward and slotting one of the side’s three goals.
Taylor Donnan and Liam Preston added Thunder’s other two majors.
Jaiden Cook toiled all day in the ruck, competing strongly at stoppages and around the ground, while Jaime Eckermann impressed with his defensive pressure.
Declan Brown, Tristan Glare and debutant Taylor Butler also put in solid performances to round out the best players.
Thunder will now turn their attention to this weekend’s clash with Dimboola, as they search for their second win of the season.
Final score, Demons - 10.18 (78) def. Thunder - 3.3 (21)
Best, Demons - Jeremy Kemp, Nash Forscarini, Harrison Hoffmann, Oliver Hier, Jack Hickmott, Hugo Hopper; Thunder - Jakob Cocks, Jaiden Cook, Jaime Eckermann, Declan Brown, Tristan Glare, Taylor Butler
The Southern Mallee Thunder Under 17s battled out a nail-biting draw against Horsham Demons on the weekend, with the match going right down to the wire before ending with scores locked at the final siren.
Thunder welcomed back Will Fisher and Lenny Weir after their recent stints in the senior side, and with a slight breeze at their backs in the opening term, settled into what quickly became a tight arm wrestle.
Jasper Bigham kicked Thunder’s first goal to break the deadlock, followed by a major from Oliver Credlin.
Despite the early efforts, it was Horsham who held a narrow one-point lead at quarter time.
The Thunder boys dug deep in the second quarter, working hard against the breeze to outscore the Demons and take a slender five-point lead into the main break, thanks to two goals from Max Spokes and one from Parker Gould.
Both sides tightened up in the third quarter, with only one goal apiece.
Caleb Tregenza found the goals for Thunder, but Horsham’s reply saw the lead trimmed back to three points heading into the final term.
Kicking against the breeze in the last quarter, Thunder showed great composure and determination.
Swift ball movement through the midfield set up Ryder Gould to convert from in front, while Kane Bastin slotted a classy goal from a tight angle to give Thunder a two-point buffer.
The final minutes saw the Thunder defence under siege as Horsham pushed hard to reclaim the lead.
The backline stood strong under pressure, but the Demons managed to claw back two points, levelling the scores as the siren sounded.
It was a hard-fought contest from start to finish, with both teams walking away with two points in what was a fitting result for such an even contest.
Final score: Thunder - 8.6 (54) drew Demons - 8.6 (54)
Best, Thunder - Will Fisher, Oliver Credlin, Jackson Moore, Dustin Eckermann, Ryder Gould, Lenny Weir; Demons - Noah Kamstra, Joshua Kalms, Harrison Hoffmann, Lenix Nelson, Zac Martin, Zavier Purdue
The Southern Mallee Thunder Under 14s battled both the elements and a strong Horsham Demons outfit on the weekend at Rainbow, in what could only be described as literally freezing conditions.
With a “feels like” temperature that must have been in the negatives, it was a challenge just to get warm, let alone play four quarters of footy.
The Demons came out firing from the first bounce, using their stronger bodies to control the stoppages and finding plenty of space in their forward line.
The Thunder found it difficult to gain any territory early, and by halftime the scoreboard read 7.8 (50) to 0 in favour of the Demons.
However, as has become a trademark of this young Thunder side, they refused to drop their heads.
The second half was far more competitive as the team began to warm into the contest and adopted a determined “footy first” mentality.
Thunder managed to hold off the mercy rule until late in the third quarter - a credit to their grit and effort.
While they just fell short of their goal to register a score before the siren, they created several strong opportunities that showed real promise.
Lawrenz McIntosh led the way for the Thunder in a standout performance across half-back, playing an attacking brand of defence that turned pressure into momentum.
Colt Decker was tireless in his efforts, covering huge ground and using the ball effectively whenever he got his hands on it.
Finn Shannon was a key link moving the ball out of defence, constantly providing options and working hard to create space.
Kolby Bigham impressed with his courage and effort, repeatedly putting his head over the ball in contested situations.
Axel Decker took on a tough task in defence and later in the ruck, holding his own despite being undersized.
Bella Spokes and Edison Stasinowski continued their run of consistent, determined performances, showing leadership through their work rate and commitment.
While the scoreboard wasn’t in Thunder’s favour, the team can take plenty of heart from another strong second-half showing.
Their resilience and growing teamwork are laying solid foundations for future improvement as the season progresses.
Final score: Demons - 8.12 (60) def. Thunder - 0.0 (0)
Best, Demons - Archie Knight, Chace Hall, Chavi Sulic, Nate Ellis, Flynn Mibus, Baxta Wade; Thunder - Lawrenz McIntosh, Colt Decker, Finn Shannon, Kolby Bigham, Axel Decker, Bella
Spokes
Under 11s Awards - Hendrix Clugston, Fletcher Puckle, Xavier Hollamby
Auskick Awards - Madden Hallam, Judson Robinson, Madelyn Cocks