Football
15 April, 2025
Summers red hot in Warriors' win
Learning from their mistakes, Stawell was focused on not letting the Thunder get the jump on them heading into the match Saturday, like they had in games previous.
For James Sullivan's side, their mission was successful, as Stawell held a 28 point lead at quarter time, before going on to win the match 16.12 (108) to 13.9 (87).
"It was a great win by the boys on Saturday, I was pleased with how we played," Sullivan said of their Round One win.
"We had a big focus on starting well, the last few times we've played them they've got the jump on us so I was really pleased with how we came out.
"They are a quality side and kept coming at us all day so it was a great effort from the boys to keep responding."
Sullivan acknowledged the midfield strength of Southern Mallee and said a conversation was had about matching them in there, with the side confident if they got enough ball into the forwards, they could kick a match-winning score.
He said Josh Fowkes was impressive in the ruck for Stawell all day, and Paul Summers, who booted nine, played his role well up forward.
"Both of them competed strongly all day and got their rewards," Sullivan said.
The Thunder were served well by Kai Sheers and Coleman Schache.
Stawell now face Ararat this Friday, and after the Rats had a big win on Saturday against the Demons, Sullivan knows the areas that need to be worked on before the hit out.
"We have a big matchup this weekend on Good Friday, so we are looking forward to the challenge," he said.