Football
5 June, 2025
Thunder fall just short of resurgent Nhill
The Southern Mallee Thunder seniors came agonisingly close to breaking their losing streak on Saturday, but ultimately fell short in the dying minutes against a surging Nhill outfit, going down 17.6 (108) to 14.8 (92) in a hard-fought contest.
Trailing by just six points at the first break and a solitary point at half time, the Thunder remained well and truly in the hunt all afternoon.
They hit the front multiple times, including deep into the final term, before the Tigers snatched the momentum and secured the win with a flurry in the last five minutes.
Jarrod Stokes was electric through the midfield to be named best on ground, with his explosive run and ball use driving Thunder forward time and time again.
Sam White produced his best game of the season with a relentless performance across half back, continually repelling Nhill’s attacks.
Jake Garvey shouldered (almost) full-time ruck duties with strength and composure in the absence of injured coach Kieran Delahunty, while Rupert Sangster was fierce at the contest and finished with three goals to top Thunder’s scorecard.
Brad Stokes and Angus McSweyn rounded out a solid list of contributors for the visitors.
The game also marked the Thunder debut of Matthew Conroy, a mobile forward/ruck with plenty of experience, and Angus Dewar, a hardened defender most recently playing in WAFL - both adding depth and versatility to the side.
Despite the result, there were plenty of positives for Thunder to take from the match, with the team showing plenty of grit and glimpses of their best footy.
They’ll look to return to the winners list when they meet the bottom of the table Horsham Demons after the long weekend bye.
Final score, Tigers - 17.6 (108) def. Thunder - 14.8 (92)
Best, Tigers - Nathan Alexander, Jake Harrap, Deek Roberts, Darcy Reid, Joshua Lees, Drew Schneider
Thunder - Jarrod Stokes, Sam White, Jake Garvey, Rupert Sangster, Brad Stokes, Angus McSweyn.
Southern Mallee Thunder’s reserves were outclassed on Saturday by a sharp and well-drilled Nhill outfit, going down by 65 points in what was billed as a battle between two evenly matched sides on the ladder.
But from the first bounce, it was the home side that stamped their authority on the contest.
Nhill kept the Thunder completely scoreless in the opening quarter and took a 24-point lead into half time, with the visitors managing just one goal before the main break.
Any hopes of a second-half revival were quickly dashed, as the Tigers turned up the heat in the third term, nearly doubling their score and showing no signs of slowing.
Their accuracy in front of goal and even spread of contributors proved far too much for the Thunder defence to contain, with Ben Pollock leading the charge with five goals in a dominant forward display.
Despite the scoreboard, there were bright spots for the Thunder. Hudson McCredden stepped up with a standout performance in his 51st club game, earning best-on honours with his work rate and composure.
Declan Brown brought his trademark speed in an effort to lift the side, while Jonty Bellinger stood tall in defence under relentless pressure.
Jakob Cocks was steady with ball in hand, veteran Adam Schulz made a welcome return in his first game of 2025, and Lewis Cocks showed consistent effort across four quarters.
The Thunder reserves will now turn their attention to a fresh challenge as they prepare to face the Demons next week, eager to bounce back and return to their best.
Final score, Tigers - 12.15 (87) def. Thunder - 3.4 (22)
Best, Tigers - Josh Kealy, Rex Peregua, Lleyton Scheele, Ben Pollock, James Crowhurst, Jack Mason
Thunder - Hudson McCredden, Declan Brown, Jonty Bellinger, Jakob Cocks, Adam Schulz, Lewis Cocks
Southern Mallee Thunder’s Under 17s suffered a surprise defeat on Saturday, falling to a determined Nhill outfit that defied ladder positions to notch a strong second-half performance and run out comfortable winners.
Thunder looked sharp early, with the midfield getting on top and stringing together some impressive passages of play that opened up scoring chances.
The first half was a tight contest, with both sides locked in a physical battle.
Thunder held a slender two-point lead at the main break and appeared poised to push on in the second half.
But it was Nhill who came out firing after the long break, catching the Thunder off guard and gaining the ascendancy.
The Tigers' key players began to assert themselves, and Thunder struggled to respond.
Nhill capitalised, continuing to hit the scoreboard while holding Thunder to near scoreless for the remainder of the match, turning a tight tussle into a convincing win.
Despite the result, there were standout performances from several Thunder players.
Fletcher Keller impressed with his pace and agility around the contest, Jackson Moore provided great run and penetration through the midfield and along the wing, and Dustin Eckermann held strong in defence.
Oliver Credlin, Ryder Gould and Parker Hallam also featured among the best.
With lessons to take away, the Under 17s will look to bounce back next week as they aim to rediscover their early-season form.
Final score, Tigers - 9.9 (63) def. Thunder 3.2 (20)
Best, Tigers - Jake Mcfarlane, Jobe Dickinson, Chase Porter, Jye Wilson - Stevenson, Frazer Wheaton, Riley Philip
Thunder - Fletcher Keller, Jackson Moore, Dustin Eckermann, Oliver Credlin, Ryder Gould, Parker Hallam
The Southern Mallee Thunder Under 14s travelled to Nhill on the weekend, facing the Tigers in chilly early conditions that turned into a perfect day for football.
While the final scoreboard showed a 51-point Nhill win, the Thunder showed plenty of heart—particularly through the middle stages of the match.
A slow start proved costly, with Nhill slotting four unanswered goals in the opening term.
But Thunder responded with determination, producing some of their best footy in the second and third quarters, moving the ball cleanly from defence and linking well across the ground.
However, they struggled to convert that play into scoreboard pressure inside forward 50.
Still within reach at the final break, Thunder looked to rally, but Nhill surged again in the last quarter to seal a comfortable win.
Standout performances came from Isaac Credlin and Edison Stasinowsky, who worked tirelessly all day, while Denzel Hallam impressed in defence with intercept work.
Charlie Williams was strong in the air, and Bella Spokes provided a key link on the wing with her smart positioning and clean disposal.
Despite the margin, Thunder’s resilience and promising passages of play were clear positives as they continue to build and improve.
Final score, Tigers - 8.19 (73) def. Thunder - 3.4 (22)
Best, Tigers - Lenny Shurdington, Ah Nee Nwe, Jack Mibus, Parker Rabone, Eh Chrit Htoo, Clayton Hiscock
Thunder - Isaac Credlin, Edison Stasinowsky, Denzel Hallam, Charlie Williams, Bella Spokes, Lawrenz McIntosh
There might not be official scores available, but there was no doubting the result on Saturday as the Southern Mallee Thunder Under 11s claimed victory over Nhill — and celebrated in style, belting out the club song in the rooms with plenty of gusto.
It was a strong team effort across the board, with Cooper Clugston and Jagger Decker leading the way as standout performers on the day.
Great signs from the young Thunder side as they continue to grow in confidence and skill each week under the watchful eyes of Simon Cook and Heath Clugston.
