Football
5 April, 2025
Thunder keen to strike after grand final loss
They may have been gallant in their grand final loss last season, but the Southern Mallee Thunder will be driven by redemption this year.
That's according to their coach, Kieran Delahunty, who said his senior football side is ready for another big year.
An offseason merger before last season between Jeparit-Rainbow Storm and Southern Mallee Giants, the Thunder didn't take long to make a good impression on the league, finishing minor premiers, with only a couple of losses and 14 wins for the season.
They were defeated by Ararat by 34 points in Qualifying Final Two before claiming the preliminary final against Stawell by 50 points to book their place in the decider for the season.
The Thunder fell short in the Grand Final by just nine points, defeated by Ararat 9.14 (68) to 11.11 (77).
"It certainly was a cracking game, it was a flip of the coin, it could have gone either way, and I thought the boys were all gallant in defeat," Delahunty said.
"But now we have rallied together, kept our heads high, and there is a burning desire to go that one better now and that's adding a bit more motivation for the group this year."
Delahunty said that ahead of the merger last season, there was a lot of change, with many guys coming together for the first time.
"I thought it was a great first season, to finish on top of the ladder, and we gave ourselves a good chance at winning the Grand Final," he said.
"To be up so late in the game was just one of those things.
"Sometimes you need a bit of luck on your side, but we were gallant, and I am certainly looking forward to building on that this year."
Delahunty said their success last season stemmed from early banking wins and that they aim to do the same this year.
"Week by week, getting off to a good start and building a bit of continuity," he said.
"I thought we were a well-rounded team last season, we batted deep in the midfield, and looking at the list this season, we've lost a full forward, and we've had to replace that in the off-season with Brayden Ison coming on board from Rupanyup.
"We probably wanted to add some height and strength around the ground and I think Harry McLeod (Torquay) will prove that and Haydn Drew (back from overseas, former Giant) will add to our midfield depth as well.
"He's a proven best and fairest winner and premiership player."
The coach said they are focusing on building the team's leadership so that when the situation is tight, the group knows what to do.
"Getting three experienced heads in will certainly help our cause," Delahunty said.
The Thunder have, as mentioned, lost their full forward from last season in Bradley Lowe, along with Liam Nelson.
Delahunty said he is looking forward to the development of players like Lou White, who was overseas for the first half of last season.
"He's at the peak age, being 23, and I think he's ready to become one of the better midfielders in the comp," Delahunty said.
"Xavier Oakley, I think his second season in the Wimmera League, and he played an unbelievable Grand Final, and he now knows he belongs at this level."
