Sport
29 April, 2026
Big challenge awaits Thunder in A Grade netball
A mammoth task awaits Southern Mallee in round three of Wimmera Football Netball League A Grade netball, with the side on the road to play the defending premiers, Horsham Saints.
The Horsham side has had a brilliant start to the season, defeating the Eagles by 38 goals and then the Demons by 14.
The Thunder are full of adrenaline and momentum coming off a close round two win against Minyip Murtoa, 42 to 41.
Coach Lachie Exell said he was happy with how the side has started the season.
"It's because of the application from everyone and energy within the team," he said.
"They are playing and working together, which is crucial in a team sport and what makes me happier than anything."
Excell reiterated his stance results take care of themselves if players are in the correct environment.
"If you can create an environment where players feel energised but supported, it goes a long way into consistently putting out performances you can be really proud of," he said.
"For us as a new and younger team, that's currently what we are doing and hope to keep doing regardless of the end result on the scoreboard."
The coach admitted their opposition had been a dominant force over the past few seasons and presented a big challenge for every other team in the league.
The side is led by goal-scoring sensation Jorja Clode, but Excell said she is just one of a number of fantastic players in the line-up for the Saints.
"Although Jorja is a fantastic player, she is just one of the many fantastic players Saints have all over the court as well, so by limiting her impact, you need to impact the supply she is given," Excell said.
"It's easier said than done, as many other teams in the league will attest to."
Heading into the clash, Excell said their focus remains solely on going out there as per usual.
"We will be trying to execute things we are individually working on in our games, as well as the structures within our team," he said.