Football
17 April, 2025
Thunder footballers dominate lower grades
Southern Mallee Thunder’s senior footballers put up a strong fight in a high-scoring Round 1 contest, but ultimately couldn’t reel in Stawell, who claimed the win 16.12 (108) to 13.9 (87) on Saturday.
The visitors made it clear from the outset that they were determined not to allow the Thunder to get the early jump - something the Thunder outfit had managed in previous encounters.
Stawell came out firing, piling on six goals to the Thunder’s two in the first term to establish a 28-point lead at quarter time.
But true to their never-say-die brand of footy, the Thunder refused to lie down. James Sullivan’s men may have landed the early punches, but Southern Mallee responded in kind across the middle quarters, matching the tempo and clawing their way back into the game with a flurry of strong passages and hard-fought goals.
The Thunder were well served by the efforts of Kai Sheers and Coleman Schache, who led from the front with both impact and leadership.
Sheers was particularly dangerous up forward, while Schache’s presence around the contest helped lift the group’s intensity when it mattered most.
Despite Stawell’s ability to find avenues to goal - largely through a dominant nine-goal haul from Paul Summers - the Thunder’s midfield showed its class, often breaking even in tight contests and moving the ball with purpose.
With Stawell’s Josh Fowkes controlling much of the ruck battle, Thunder’s on-ball brigade worked tirelessly to stay in the fight.
New addition Brayden Ison also impressed in his club debut, booting three majors and giving Thunder supporters a glimpse of what’s to come in 2025.
Although the result didn’t go their way, the performance was full of promise.
With a short break over Easter, the Thunder now turn their attention to Round 2, where they’ll aim to convert effort into premiership points when they face off against Warrack.
Final score, Stawell Warriors - 16.12 (108) def. Thunder - 13.9 (87)
Goals, Stawell - Paul Summers 9, Cody Driscoll 3, Charles Dagiro 2, Sam Williams 2
Thunder - Bradyen Ison 3, Kai Sheers 3, Haydn Drew 2, Kieran Delahunty 1, Jake Garvey 1, Harry McLeod 1, Angus McSweyn 1, Rupert Sangster 1
Best, Stawell - Josh Fowkes, Paul Summers, Zachary Morrow, Sam Williams, Jack Walker, Charlie Gibson
Thunder - Kai Sheers, Coleman Schache, Lou White, Haydn Drew, Rupert Sangster, Jake Garvey
Reserves
The Southern Mallee Thunder Reserves launched their 2025 campaign in emphatic fashion, securing a commanding 21-point victory over the visiting Stawell Warriors at Beulah.
The final score stood at Southern Mallee Thunder 12.8 (80) to Stawell Warriors 9.5 (59).
After narrowly missing a grand final berth last season, the Thunder entered Round 1 with renewed vigor, blending seasoned experience with youthful enthusiasm.
The team's off-season efforts were evident as they established an early lead, crucial under the day's sweltering conditions.
Central to the Thunder's dominance was ruckman Jaiden Cook, whose control in the middle allowed the midfield to capitalize and provide ample opportunities for the forwards.
The forward line, relentless in their pressure, kept the Stawell defenders on their heels, while the backline efficiently rebounded any advances.
The match also highlighted the impact of returning and new players.
Patty Long, Jason Box, Dean Perkins, Pheonix Oakley, and Digby Sangster made significant contributions, showcasing the depth of talent within the squad.
Notably, a number of juniors also stepped up for their first taste of senior footy - Jaime Eckermann, Liam Campbell, Joshua Schultz, Jourdain Thomas, and Kybe Bellinger - were given their first opportunities and rose to the occasion.
Additionally, Parker Gould made his senior debut, further emphasizing the club's commitment to nurturing young talent.
As the team looks ahead, the upcoming Easter break offers a chance to recover and regroup before facing Warrack.
The Thunder aim to maintain this momentum and continue building towards a successful season.
Final score, Thunder - 12.8 (80) def. Stawell Warriors - 9.5 (59)
Goals, Thunder - Xavier Oakley 3, Dean Perkins 3, Declan Brown 2, Taylor Donnan 2, Hudson McCredden 2, Ben McGee 2, Kybe Bellinger 1, Liam Campbell 1, Patrick Grace-Long 1
Stawell - Bradlee Carnovale 1, Nick Considine 1, Shane Field 1, Jesse Hannett 1, Tristan Hilbig 1
Best, Thunder - Xavier Oakley, Jaiden Cook, Jake Parry, Declan Brown, Hudson McCredden, Dean Perkins
Stawell - Bradlee Carnovale, Tristan Hilbig, Ashton Mellor, Sonny Warren, Shane Field, Jonah O’Shannessy.
Under 17s
Southern Mallee Thunder’s Under 17s launched their 2025 campaign in style on Saturday, recording a dominant 61-point victory over the Stawell Warriors in front of a home crowd at Beulah.
From the outset, the Thunder boys looked sharp, taking a 10-point lead into the first break and gradually building momentum across the morning.
By halftime the lead had stretched to 16, and with a blistering third term, Thunder surged ahead to a 44-point buffer, before finishing full of run to seal the match 15.9 (99) to 6.2 (38).
Parker Gould and Lenny Weir were electric up forward, each slotting four goals in a clinical display.
Parker Hallam, Jackson Moore, and Max Spokes chimed in with two goals apiece, while Oliver Credlin added one to round out a well-shared scoring effort.
Thunder’s midfield and defensive efforts were equally impressive, with Moore, Weir, Gould, Credlin, Spencer Williams, and Koby Hallam named among the best.
Their pressure around the contest and clean ball use proved too much for the Warriors, who struggled to find answers as the game wore on.
For Stawell, Rohan Newson, Billy Egan, and Tom Collins showed grit and resilience, working hard all day under relentless Thunder pressure.
It was a strong statement from the Thunder youngsters to kick off the season, with plenty of exciting signs ahead.
Final score: Thunder - 15.11 (101) def. Stawell Warriors - 6.4 (40)
Goals, Thunder - Parker Gould 4, Lenny Weir 4, Parker Hallam 2, Jackson Moore 2, Max Spokes 2, Oliver Credlin 1
Stawell - Kulan McRae 2, Cisco Chorny 1, Ashley Hutton 1, Mason Notting 1, Harrison Pavey 1
Best, Thunder - Jackson Moore, Lenny Weir, Parker Gould, Oliver Credlin, Spencer Williams, Koby Hallam
Stawell - Rohan Newson, Billy Egan, Tom Collins, Nate Lyons, Harrison Pavey, Emmett Perry
Under 14s
The Under 14s officially kicked off the season in Beulah, but had none of their usually early morning dew to dispose of, with the day’s warmer weather kicking in early.
It was slow going for our youngest footballers as Stawell hit the scoreboard early, and relentlessly, showing why they earned their finals appearance in 2024.
Testing out a few new positions and combos under the charge of new coach Dale Shannon, the Thunder outfit did show plenty of promise that they will be ones to watch in 2025 as they continue to develop their footy.
Charlie Williams managed to send the footy through the big sticks in the third term, with a few minor scores tipping the home teams score into the double digits.
Bella Spokes picked up where she left off last season, impressing those on the sideline with her continued development and named best on field.
Lawrenz Lobero pulled on the teal for the first time and had an impressive game, while Charlie Williams, Isaac Credlin, Edison Stasinowsky and Louie Webster rounded out the best.
The team will be keen to make the quick trip to Warrack following the Easter break, and looking forward to repeating some of their success from last season.
Final score, Stawell - 11.4 (70) def. Thunder - 1.4 (10)
Goals, Stawell - Archer Reading 3, Dusty Wethers 3, Rhenz Enriquez 1, Liam Johnston 1, Archie MacPherson 1, Milla Mitchell 1, Jackson Notting 1
Thunder - Charlie Williams 1
Best, Stawell - Dusty Westers, Archer Reading, Jackson Notting, Liam Johnston, Archie MacPherson, Alexander Simpkin
Thunder - Bella Spokes, Lawrenz Lobero, Charlie Williams, Isaac Credlin, Edison Stasinowsky, Louie Webster
