Sport
23 May, 2026
Full-strength Thunder keen for Rats clash
Ararat are on the road to play Southern Mallee in what will be a rerun of last season's grand final.
But this season, in the fifth round of the Wimmera Football Netball League, the Rats are currently fourth while the Thunder are the ladder leaders.
Last year Ararat claimed the chocolates in the decider for the season but it came following the Rats being defeated by the Thunder in the second semi-final.
Both teams have some handy players again this season, with James Jennings in brilliant form for the Rats and Billy Lloyd exceptional for the Thunder early on.
Coaching director of football at the Thunder, Jake Bridges, said Ararat would prove another big challenge for his side.
"They’re a quality side with depth across the ground so we know we’ll need to be at our best," Bridges said.
"This is another step in this year's journey to continue to work on our brand and connection across the ground."
Bridges said the key would be staying committed to the brand and the behaviours that underpinned it: "our contest work, connection behind the ball and ability to stay relentless for four quarters".
"There’ll be some important match-ups across every line given the quality they have, but we’re more focused on making sure we bring the right intent and discipline to our roles," he said.
In favour of the Thunder is the fact they will be close to full strength for the contest, but Bridges said availability and selection were being worked on through this week.