Sport
4 July, 2025
Hard fought win for footballers
The Southern Mallee Thunder Seniors made it three wins on the trot on Saturday, grinding out a gutsy and much needed, nine-point victory over Stawell at Central Park.
It was a promising start for the visitors, who edged ahead by five points at quarter time.
But Stawell responded in kind, squaring the ledge by half-time with both sides locked on 5.5 (35).
Momentum looked to be swinging the Warriors’ way in the third term as they stretched to a 15 point lead, buoyed by the influence of Paul Summers, who would finish the day with five goals.
But just as the home side threatened to break away, the Thunder delivered a stunning three goal surge - a booming 50 metre set shot from Kai Sheers, a classy snap from Reid Polak deep in the pocket, and a bursting run-and-goal from Sam White - that flipped the contest on its head and silenced the Central Park faithful.
Leading narrowly at the final change, the Thunder were cleaner in the last, converting 5.3 to Stawell’s 4.2.
It was enough to seal the win and bank another crucial four points.
Reid Polak was electric up forward, finishing with five majors to match Summers, while Sheers (three) and White (three) also hit the scoreboard in a meaningful way.
Billy Lloyd returned from a mid-season freshen up and looked all the better for it (if that’s even possible), racking up possessions and proving influential in key moments to earn best on ground honours.
Angus McSweyn provided great run and link-up play on the wing, while Jarrod Stokes threw his weight around coming through the clearances.
Brayden Ison made the most of his extended time in the ruck, impressing with his tap work, and offering a sure set of hands when sent into the fifty.
The Thunder will now turn their attention to a blockbuster at home in Beulah this weekend, where they’ll face off against highway rivals, the Warrack Eagles, in front of a Beulah premiership reunion crowd.
Final score Thunder - 14.9 (93) def. Stawell - 12.12 (84).
Best Thunder: Billy Lloy, Angus McSweyn, Jarrod Stokes, Kai Sheers, Brayden Ison, Reid Polak
Stawell: Josh Fowkes, Jarrod Illig, Charlie Gibson, Angus Barham, Aiden Graveson, Jack Harney
It was a game of inches on Saturday for the Reserves, as they pushed Stawell to the brink in a low scoring, hard fought clash, ultimately falling just six points shy of a much needed victory.
Despite travelling at every change, Thunder refused to lie down, clawing their way back into the contest and threatening to steal the win right until the final siren.
But it was the home side who had the final say, slotting a late goal to edge ahead at the crucial moment and claim the narrow victory.
The opening quarter was a grind, with both teams struggling to break through defensively.
The ball pinged from 50 to 50 without much scoreboard impact, until Stawell clicked into gear in the second term, managing to carve out a 14 point lead by the main break.
The inclusion of Tim Sanford gave Thunder a much needed boost in composure and class, using the ball cleanly and setting up play through the middle.
Declan Brown was relentless in his attack on the ball, and his pressure helped shift momentum late in the third quarter as Thunder began to close the gap.
Jonty Bellinger was a standout, playing a pivotal role at both ends, intercepting off half back and providing a strong marking target when swung forward.
Young gun Josh Schultz lit up the last term with a brilliant goal that lifted the side’s intensity, while Jakob Cocks worked tirelessly through the centre.
Jake Parry was a tackling machine in the contest, locking down ball after ball, and Adam Schulz’s strength around the stoppages contributed to the comeback.
With belief growing, Thunder surged into the final term, drawing level and looking the more dangerous of the two sides.
But with time ticking down, Stawell managed to find one last goal, enough to tip the balance and hold off a surging Thunder outfit.
Final score: Stawell - 5.8 (38) def. Thunder - 4.8 (32)
Best Stawell: Blair Hart, Jesse Hannett, Hamish Smith, Bradless Carnovale, Shane Field, Cooper Reading
Thunder: Tim Sanford, Declan Brown, Jonty Bellinger, Jakob Cocks, Jake Parry, Adam Schulz.
The game of the day came early on Saturday, with the Thunder Under 17s grinding out a thrilling 14 point win over a determined Stawell outfit.
The Warriors matched Thunder in a tight first term, before the visitors lifted in the second to take a slender lead.
With defensive pressure sky high all match, neither side found easy ball, and Stawell hit back hard in the third to cut the margin to just five point heading into the final term.
The last quarter was a rollercoaster, with momentum swinging end to end.
But it was Thunder who kept their cool, using the ball smartly under pressure to close the game out strongly and secure the win.
Parker Gould was outstanding in the midfield, earning best on ground honours with his drive and precision.
Jackson Moore was a key support, continuing his steady rise, while Ryder Gould brought spark, Max Spokes was sharp with ball in hand, and Spencer Williams and Fletcher Keller rounded out the best.
With form on their side, the Under 17s will look to build further against the Warrack Eagles in Beulah this weekend.
Final score Thunder - 10.10 (70) def. Stawell - 8.8. (56).
Best Thunder: Parker Gould, Jackson Moore, Ryder Gould, Max Spokes, Spencer Williams, Fletcher Keller.
Stawell: Jack Stevens, Emmett Perry, Charlie Dunn, Rohan Newson, Kylan Mcrae, Billy Egan
The Southern Mallee Thunder Under 14s travelled to Stawell for their latest clash, bolstered by the return of several players which finally allowed for some much-needed rotations through the bench.
Up against another strong opponent, the Thunder were met with a team full of pace and outside run - but, as always, they brought their trademark grit and determination.
Thunder started positively, winning the first centre clearance and creating early forward pressure with some great passages of play.
They looked sharp around stoppages, playing to their strengths by keeping the ball in tight and contesting every possession.
However, Stawell soon found their rhythm, opening the game up and using their speed to move the ball into space.
Once they got the game on their terms, they were hard to stop.
Despite a committed effort from the Thunder, Stawell enforced the mercy rule five minutes into the third quarter.
But rather than drop their heads, the Thunder responded admirably.
With the teams evened up, the remainder of the game opened up into an entertaining and competitive contest, with the ball zipping from end to end and providing opportunities for the younger Thunder players to get involved and show their development.
Denzel Hallam added real spark with his dash and drive, breaking lines and giving his team momentum.
Louie Webster played selfless, team-first footy, working hard to link up with teammates.
Clancy Weir relished his captaincy role, leading by example and keeping his teammates focused and positive.
Savarnna Loft competed hard in every contest, while Hugo Gould was tireless both at the coalface and across half forward, doing plenty of grunt work to keep the Thunder moving.
In defence, Finn Shannon was a standout, staying composed under pressure and delivering long, accurate kicks to set up play from the back half.
It was another challenging day on the scoreboard, but the attitude of this young Thunder side continues to shine through.
Their ability to stay positive, fight out games and take every experience as a learning opportunity is a credit to their growth and team spirit.
Final score, Stawell - 8.12 (60) def. Thunder - 0.0 (0)
Best, Stawell: Dusy Wethers, Felix Hastings, Jackson Notting, Jaxon Dunn, Jax Skurrie, Jensen James
Thunder: Finn Shnon, Hugo Gould, Sarvanna Loft, Clancy Weir, Louis Webster, Denzel Hallam.