Football
30 May, 2026
Eagles look to quieten the Thunder
Off the back of a plucky win over Horsham last Saturday, this week the Eagles will look to quieten the Thunder in round seven of the Wimmera Football Netball League.
The game takes centre stage this Saturday as the WorkSafe AFL Victorian Country Club Series match.
Delivered in partnership with WorkSafe Victoria, the Country Club Series is focused on supporting communities regionally - particularly in agricultural areas where the risk of injury on farms and properties is higher.
The Eagles have been playing decent footy in parts this season and can take some confidence from a couple of early wins, but the Thunder are an impressive side who have conquered all but one side they have come up against this season.
Southern Mallee are on the road for the match, to be held at Anzac Park in Warracknabeal, but like most good sides, they've been consistent away and at home.
Eagles coach Kyle George is under no illusions about the challenge his side faces this week and said he expects the contest to be high-intensity.
"They are obviously the inform team at the moment, so we will have our work cut out for us for sure," admitted George.
Not losing sight that the Eagles are basically a new team this season, George said they are still learning their brand of footy, but they are getting better week in, week out.
"We are looking better every week, which is pleasing, and to have a couple of wins notched up already, it will hopefully help us towards the end of the season," he said.
George said the Eagles could take some belief and confidence into their game from their win against Horsham last week.
"That was great," George said of the win.
"To come from behind by three goals, I know there was only a point in it, but we were hard on ourselves.
"To Horsham's credit, we didn't play the way we wanted to or should have.
"But it was nice to get it together in the last quarter."
George said the Eagles in the middle of the park will be challenged, in particular this week, with Keiran Delahunty in the ruck for the Thunder, particularly strong.
"Over the entire park we need to be on," admitted George frankly.
"We just want 50/50 contests and everyone to beat their opponent, and we will go from there."