Sport
29 April, 2026
Thunder ready to test Saints
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).
Matty Lloyd was the highest goal scorer for the Thunder in their first match of the season, finding the big sticks three times, while Billy Lloyd, Edward Lindon and Rupert Sangster all chipped in with one major.
Lloyd and Harry McLeod led the way for the side as best on ground.
Bailey Edwards and Coleman Schache were to go to in the forward 50 in the Thunder's second hit out for the season, both booting three goals, as Edwards and Zachary Robins were named best players.
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 thanks to the Demons, 16.13 (109) to 5.2 (32).
This week, though, the Thunder will be looking to impact the gameplay of Horsham players Gage Wright, Cody Bryan, Jacob Obeirne and Mitch Martin, who have all been brilliant at points during the first couple of weeks of the season.
Coaching director Jake Bridges said the Horsham side has some key players who enjoy the weight of numbers at the stoppage.
"We will look to utilise our strengths to cause space width across the ground," he said.
Along with captain Martin, Bridges said they will be attempting to cut off the impact of Judd Wright, who is brilliant for the Horsham side in the middle of the park.
But, all in all, Bridges said they will focus on their own performance.
"We will look to again make some positive steps and keep improving and learning in regards to our on-field connection and relentless approach to all facets of our game," he summarised.