Sport
25 May, 2026
Ladder leaders account for Ararat in close contest
In what has been described as a "great country game of footy", Ararat were defeated by Southern Mallee in round six of the Wimmera Football Netball League seniors on Saturday.
In describing the game as that, Thunder director of football Jake Bridges said the game was battled out between a couple of really competitive sides.
"We took a lot of learning out of the game around our brand and the way we want to continue to play," Bridges said after the match.
"We’re still learning to consistently execute that style but we’re seeing growth in the behaviours that make us really competitive at this level: things like pressure, connection and contest work."
Bridges said Saturday was another positive, forward step for the group.
"The boys should be really proud of the way they went about it," he said.
In a game where the Thunder led at each break, the final scores were 8.14 (62) to 8.8 (56).
Best on ground for the losing side included Ben Taylor, Hugh Toner and James Jennings, while Tom Mills (three goals) was brilliant for the side in the forward line, with Tom Williamson (two) also chipping in to the final tally.
Jai Kennealy was best on ground for the Thunder, alongside Kieran Delahunty and Matty Lloyd.
Bailey Edwards and Lloyd were the only multiple goal scorers for the home side, with a couple of goals each.
Bridges' side is leading the ladder on percentage, ahead of Stawell, with both teams on five wins and a loss.
Ararat are now in fourth place, ahead of Nhill on percentage, each with a record of 3-2 this season.