Football
23 May, 2025
Tough day on the road for Thunder
Southern Mallee Thunder faced a big challenge in round five of the Wimmera Football Netball League, going down to ladder leaders and last season's premiers, Ararat, by 52 points on Saturday.
Final scores were Ararat 13.11 (89) to Thunder 5.7 (37), with the home side asserting their dominance early before a more balanced second half.
Thunder were slow out of the blocks, trailing by 20 points at the end of the first quarter, and were held to just a single behind in the second term as Ararat surged ahead to lead by 50 points at the main break.
To their credit, the Thunder regrouped in the last half, matching Ararat in effort and pressure, with both sides slotting four goals apiece after half-time.
Missing a string of key players, including the injured Kieran Delahunty, along with Jackson Fisher, Brad and Jarrod Stokes, and Rupert Sangster, the Thunder side was always going to be up against it.
Delahunty’s absence in particular left a noticeable gap in on-field leadership and presence.
Despite the loss, there were bright spots for the Thunder.
Angus McSweyn led the scoring with two majors, while Billy Lloyd once again stood tall with a strong four-quarter effort.
Bailey Morrish continued his impressive start at the club.
Heath Smith brought trademark physicality, Harry McLeod was busy around the contest, Coleman Schache delivered another steady performance, and Reece Groves rounded out the Thunder’s best with his tireless work.
With plenty to take from the second half, Thunder will look to bounce back this Saturday when they return to Hopetoun to host the Horsham Saints.
Best players: Ararat - Hugh Toner, James Hosking, Henry Shea, Cody Lindsay, Jacob Bates and James Jennings. Thunder - Billy Lloyd, Bailey Morrish, Heath Smith, Harry McLeod, Coleman Schache and Reece Groves.
RESERVES
In the reserves, the Thunder were always going to have a mountain to climb when they took on top-of-the- table Ararat on Saturday – away from home, with a depleted line-up, and several fresh faces in the mix.
While the final margin stood at 80 points, the scoreboard didn’t tell the full story of a team that never dropped their heads and continued to battle to the final siren.
Ararat came out firing in the first term, dominating possession and territory.
Fortunately for Thunder, wasteful kicking from the Rats (3.7) kept the margin to a manageable 25 points at quarter time, despite the boys in teal failing to register a score.
The second quarter saw a spark from the Thunder, with three majors helping stem the tide and give supporters something to cheer about.
By halftime, the margin was 24 points – a competitive showing considering the challenges the team faced heading in.
The second half, however, belonged to the home side.
Ararat piled on the pressure and goals, stretching their lead to 48 points heading into the last quarter and running out comfortable winners by 80 points.
Despite the result, there was plenty to like for Thunder fans.
The club's emerging talent continues to impress, with goals coming from Declan Brown, Lewis Cocks, Parker Gould, and Hudson McCredden – all part of the Thunder’s exciting next generation.
Marty Makin and Riley Lehmann pulled on the teal jumper for the first time, while a host of juniors backed up their morning matches to provide depth in the reserves squad.
Digby Sangster was again electric, named best afield for his efforts.
He was well supported by Jaime Eckermann and Hudson McCredden, who both put in excellent shifts.
The experience of Riley Lehmann, Jonty Bellinger, and Liam Preston helped guide the younger group and round out the Thunder’s best players.
Thunder will be back at home in Hopetoun this weekend where they’ll take on the Horsham Saints.
With another big challenge ahead, the group will be hoping to channel their second-quarter spark and youthful energy into an upset win.
Final score: Ararat 17.10 (112) defeated Thunder 5.2 (32)
Best players: Ararat - Xavier Vearing, Alan Batcherlor, William Vernon, Corey Taylor, Sam Cronin and Lewis Hodgins. Thunder - Digby Sangster, Jaime Eckermann, Hudson McCredden, Riley Lehmann, Jonty Bellinger and Liam Preston.
UNDER 17s
Southern Mallee’s Under 17s took to the field against Ararat on Saturday with confidence from recent strong performances, but they ultimately fell short against a polished Rats outfit in chilly conditions on the road.
Missing key contributors Will Fisher and Lenny Weir, who were elevated to senior duties for the weekend, the Thunder side was light on for player numbers but certainly not for effort.
Under the guidance of coach Luen Credlin, the group continued to show the spirited, determined brand of football that has defined their 2025 campaign so far.
Ararat were quick to find the scoreboard and kept the scoreboard ticking over each term, edging ahead by five points at quarter time before stretching their lead to 21 and then 27 heading into the final quarter.
Despite the gap, Thunder kept at it, but the Rats’ composure and forward efficiency saw them pull away to record a 53-point win.
There were plenty of standouts for Thunder, especially in the back half where Dusty Eckermann stood tall under pressure.
Ryder Gould, Spencer Williams, and Max Roberts were all tireless in their efforts, working hard from siren to siren.
Koby Hallam made a welcome return and had an impact in the second half, Jackson Moore and Oliver Credlin were influential around the ground, helping to keep Thunder competitive throughout.
With the undefeated Horsham Saints next on the agenda, Thunder’s resolve will be tested again this Saturday in Hopetoun.
But win, lose, or draw, one thing is certain — this group will continue to give their all, and the Thunder faithful are in for a cracking contest late on Saturday morning.
Final scores: Ararat 9.15 (69) defeated Thunder 2.4 (16)
Best players: Ararat - Jade Burton, Jye Buncle, Nate Dadswell, Calob Burton, Kobe Herbert and Arlie Ramsey. Thunder - Dusty Eckermann, Ryder Gould, Spencer Williams, Max Roberts, Koby Hallam, Jackson Moore and Oliver Credlin.
UNDER 14s
The Thunder Under 14s braved conditions that were icy in Ararat on Saturday, facing a physically larger and more polished home side.
Despite their efforts, the young Thunder squad struggled to convert on the scoreboard, with the mercy rule eventually coming into play.
Ararat spread their scoring load across multiple players, and their size and structure proved a challenge for the smaller Thunder team.
Ryley Bainbridge was a standout in his best game of the season, while Charlie Williams, Colt Decker, Phoenix Wairau, and Isaac Credlin also impressed with their tenacity and determination in a tough outing.
Final score: Ararat 10.5 (65) defeated Thunder 0.1 (1)
Best players: Ararat - Patrick Harrington, Ryder Belcher, Archie Harris, Nate Rhodes, Billy Walker and Charlie Bilett. Thunder - Ryley Bainbridge, Charlie Williams, Colt Decker, Phoenix Wairau and Isaac Credlin.
