Sport
2 May, 2026
Thunder look to take two-one edge
Southern Mallee will be looking to break the deadlock this Saturday when they come up against Horsham Saints in round three of the Wimmera Football Netball League.
The Thunder have both a loss and a win on the board after being defeated by Nhill first up 6.7 (43) to 6.15 (51) before getting the win against Minyip Murtoa 12.14 (86) to 7.11 (53).
But the Saints are marching on nicely, with a couple of wins on the board, the first against Warrack 11.16 (82) to 6.3 (39) and the second over the Demons, 16.13 (109) to 5.2 (32).
Matty Lloyd was the highest goal scorer for the Thunder in their first match of the season, finding the big sticks three times, while Lloyd and Harry McLeod led the side as best on ground.
Bailey Edwards and Coleman Schache were the go-tos in the forward 50 in the Thunder's second hitout for the season, each booting three goals, as Edwards and Zachary Robins were named best players.
The Saints have been led in their first games of the season by the likes of the consistently reliable Gage Wright and Mitch Martin, while Cody Bryan, Jacob O'Beirne and Jack Henry have also been terrific at times.
Thunder coaching director Jake Bridges said the Horsham side had some key players who enjoyed the weight of numbers at the stoppage.
"We will look to utilise our strengths to cause space width across the ground," Bridges said.
Along with captain Martin, Bridges said they would be attempting to cut off the impact of Judd Wright, who has been brilliant for the Horsham side in the middle of the park.
But, all in all, Bridges said they would focus on their own performance.
"We will look to again make some positive steps and keep improving and learning in regard to our on-field connection and relentless approach to all facets of our game," he said.