Football
29 July, 2026
Thunder claim win with four-quarter performance
In what has been dubbed the most consistent four-quarter performance the side has put together in a while, Southern Mallee defeated Dimoola on Saturday by close to 18 goals.
In addition to it being a pleasing result, coaching director Jake Bridges said his side was able to maintain their effort and intent across the day, which was something they'd been working hard on.
"That said, we know there’s still plenty to improve," Bridges said.
"We reviewed the game afterwards and identified a number of areas where we can continue to grow, which is exciting because we feel there’s still another level in us."
Dimboola were down by more than 30 points after the first quarter and close to 70 points at half-time.
They nearly went goal for goal with the Thunder in quarter three, scoring 3.1 to the opposition's 4.2, but Southern Mallee outscored them in the final quarter to bank the 4.2 (26) to 20.13 (133) win.
Best on ground from the losing side included Andrew Moore and Simon Hobbs, while better players for the winners were Edward Lindon and Jai Kennealy.
Bailey Edward and Harry McLeod were the highest goal scorers on the day, both with four majors for the Thunder, while Brayden Culhane booted a couple for the Roos.
Bridges said what pleased him most was that it was a genuine team performance.
"We had strong contributions right across the ground," he said.
"Our pressure and contest held up for most of the afternoon and we were able to move the ball with good balance between instinct and method.
"The players remained connected and stuck to the roles they’d been given and that allowed us to build the game on our terms."
With Edward and McLeod being a couple of 11 goal scorers for the Thunder, Bridges said that was a positive sign.
He added it showed the side were not relying on one or two individuals to hit the scoreboard.
"Our ability to create opportunities through team offence and reward the work of different players is something we’ve been trying to build, and it’s encouraging to see that reflected on the scoreboard," Bridges said.
"A lot of selfless acts today."
Acknowledging the efforts of Edward Lindon, Bridges said he was outstanding.
"His work rate and ability to get to the right spots and compete in the air gave us great drive while his composure with the ball helped set us up," Bridges reflected.
"Jai Kennealy also had a terrific game.
"His attack on the contest, pressure around the ball and willingness to work both ways were first-class and he continues to show great leadership through his actions.
"Overall, it was a solid win built on contribution from everyone.
"The challenge now is to keep improving, because as pleased as we are with the result, we know the standard required only gets higher from here."
The coaching director's statement was literal, with Ararat awaiting his side this Saturday.
The side from Alexandra Oval have been nicely tracking this season, with a record of 10 and 2, but one of those couple of losses was at the hands of the Thunder last time they met, in round six of this season.
A goal separated the sides, with the final scores 8.14 (62) to 8.8 (56).
In that game, Jai Kennealy and Matty Lloyd were brilliant for the home side and eventual winners, while the Rats were best led by Hugh Toner and James Jennings.
Depending on other results, the aftermath of this match could see Ararat move into first position, given that ladder leaders Horsham Saints have the bye, while the Thunder could claim fourth, depending on the result between Dimboola and fourth-placed Nhill.