Football
24 June, 2025
Dimboola hold lead, despite loss
There's not much separating fifth and sixth on the ladder after the latest round of Wimmera Football Netball League footy, with the higher-ranked side in Dimboola defeated by the Thunder 8.9 (57) to 15.7 (97).
Both sides are on 16 points – Dimboola with a percentage of 98.90 and Thunder with a percentage of 97.06.
Dimboola's loss came despite the best efforts of Jackson Calder, who was the side's leading scorer with four majors, and Evan Hunter and Ben Miller, who were among the team's best on ground.
For the Thunder Sam White booted four goals, while the side was led by Coleman Schache and Xavier Oakley.
The damage was done in the first half for Dimboola, down 15 to 32 after the first quarter and 21 to 69 at half-time.
They outscored Thunder in the third – 22 points to 15 and fourth – 14 points to 13.
Andrew Moore, co-coach of Dimboola, said the biggest thing the Thunder were able to do was apply a lot of pressure in the first half but particularly the second term of that half.
"They won a bit more of the hunt, that contested brand of footy, in the first half – in particular the second quarter where they kicked away six goals to one and showed us how to win the hard ball, basically," Moore reflected.
"We were on the back foot but credit to our guys that in the second half: we were able to play a bit more fast pace, challenging brand of footy when we had it and able to limit their impact.
"We were able to chip away at that margin a bit, but overall, they were the better side on the day and showed us how to play, especially that hard, contested brand of footy, which is something we do pride ourselves on, but it shows we still have areas we need to improve on."
Moore acknowledged Hunter for his efforts on Saturday, along with the consistent Miller.
"One who I am pleased with is Evan Hunter and he had a specific role on one of their key players in (Brad) Stokes," Moore said.
"He was able to limit his impact on the game, he's a talented footy player as we know, damaging off the half back line, so Evan was a key contributor on Saturday and I'm pleased he was given that role and able to succeed in that role.
"Ben Miller, he is a consistent performer for us and has been for many years, but he played through the midfield and his consistency around winning that contested footy, but also his impact he has all over the ground, it was impressive."
Moore also highlighted the efforts of the Dimboola backline: Simon Hobbs, Jackson O'Neill and Simon Nuske.
"(Simon), he's played some consistent footy off the half back line, nullifying his man, but also impacting in the air, and that was impressive," Moore said.
"Jackson O'Neill, he's having a good year, turning back the clock, having played a few games.
"But being able to impact and lead, is an important thing, bringing others into the game.
"And Simon Nuske as well, he was one who has been up and down in terms of ressies and seniors, but I thought he had a performance that was strong as well.
"So overall, the backline stood strong, it was more around the contest that is the area that needs to improve for us."