Sport
17 August, 2024
Thunder show 'relentless' pressure in win against Stawell | WFNL R17
Southern Mallee's pressure was a feature of the game.
WFNL Football
Stawell
A seven-goal first term laid the platform for the Southern Mallee Thunder's 15.16 (106) - 7.3 (45) victory against the Stawell Warriors in round 17 of the WFNL on Saturday, August 17.
Thunder senior coach Kieran Delahunty was pleased with the application of his side.
"Coming down here, we knew it would be a tough test; Stawell play their home ground really well," Delahunty said post-match.
"Our boys were really switched on and from the first bounce. And I think, yeah, that showed early."
The Thunder's pressure across the ground stood out to Delahunty.
"[The pressure] was pretty relentless from not only our forwards, but our midfielders stopping them from exiting stoppages cleanly," he said.
Liam Nelson kicked the opening two goals of the game inside the first four minutes for the Thunder.
Southern Mallee piled on six goals to one for the remainder of the term as it led by seven goals at the first change.
Peter Weir's second major opened the Thunder's account after seven minutes of the second term.
Stawell responded immediately as the home side started spending more time with the football.
Warriors forward Ben Davis kicked his side's third of the term in the last minute of the first half as the home side trailed by six goals.
It was the start Stawell required in the third term as Ash Driscoll poked the football home from close range inside the first minute.
Thunder captain Coleman Schache kicked two of his side's three goals in the third term as Southern Mallee led by 44 points at the last change.
The game was played between the arcs early in the last, as it took 15 minutes for the first goal, and Angus McSweyn converted a long set shot.
Zac Marrow kicked the home side's lone goal of the final term, as the full-time margin was 61 points.
Delahunty credited Schache's performance, who finished with a game-high four goals.
"Coleman's a tough matchup at any part of the ground. To kick four goals today was a great effort," he said.
Delahunty also finished atop the best with three goals, whilst her ruck all afternoon against Josh Fowkes and Aiden Graveson.
"When Garvs [Jake Garvey] was out, I was wondering how we were going to do it. But they're two good ruckmen, and it certainly was a good battle all day.
Cody Driscoll was Stawell's only multiple goal-kicker.
Marlon Motlop and Graveson featured in the best.
A late goal to Nhill ruck Daniel Batson has secured a 10.10 (70) - 9.16 (70) draw with the Rats.
After a goalless first term, Ararat led at half and three-quarter time before the home side came from eight points down to earn the two competition points.
The result leaves the Thunder in the box seat for the minor premiership.
Deek Roberts kicked three goals for the Tigers as Jake McQueen and ruck Daniel Batson featured atop the best.
Tom Williamson's four goals saw him re-take the league's goal-kicking lead.
Ben Taylor and Jack Ganley were named atop the best.
The Horsham Saints came from one point behind at the last change to defeat Dimboola 9.15 (69) - 6.12 (48).
Ben Knott's side added four goals to none in the final term to secure the win.
Mitch Martin kicked three goals for the Saints; Sam Clyne and Jordy Keyte featured in the best.
The Roos had six individual goal-kickers.
Ben Miller and Dylan Landt were named atop the best.
Horsham has recorded a 19.18 (132) - 5.7 (37) win against Warrack at City Oval.
The Demons applied pressure until the full-time siren, as 11 goals were kicked in the second half.
Jordan Motton and Ryan Kemp kicked seven and six goals, respectively.
Kemp was joined by Jasper Gunn atop the best.
Ryan McKenzie's three goals saw him feature in the best with Lachie Stewart.