Sport
4 September, 2025
Thunder storm past Tigers
Nhill had no answers to any of the questions posed by the Thunder later in the match on Saturday, as Southern Mallee recorded victory by more than 50 points.
Nhill had no answers to any of the questions posed by the Thunder later in the match on Saturday, as Southern Mallee recorded victory by more than 50 points.
Early on, it was a close game, with the score level at the end of the first quarter, but the Thunder asserted dominance before half-time to go into the big break up by 16 points.
The gap grew to 26 points heading into the final quarter, with the end scores being 6.12 (48) to 16.9 (105).
Nathan Alexander and Mitchell Dahlenburg were the better players for Nhill, along with Jake McQueen, who was the side's highest goal scorer, while the coach of the Thunder, Kieran Delahunty, led the way with a best-on-ground performance for his team, along with Coleman Schache, and Sam White booted five majors.
After the match Delahunty told Wimmera Mallee News it was a good win from his side.
"It was a good even contest and Nhill certainly threw it to us, particularly early on, but to the boys' credit, they responded well and dug deep, but it took all four quarters," he said.
Delahunty agreed that early on his side had trouble finding the big sticks, but said he was happy with their recovery.
"I think that was a pleasing aspect: they hit the first three goals of the game and we sort of had our chances but we just weren't quite clean enough," he said.
"I think once we started to get our ball movement going we adjusted well, and to be even at quarter-time was a good result."
In the second quarter the Thunder demonstrated a more consistent and impressive performance despite some challenging conditions.
"The wind was sort of swirling around the ground and it wasn't favoring one end in particular," he said.
"Conditions were tricky to adjust to at the start but I thought once the game got on it all started to click."
Delahunty acknowledged the efforts of his defensive line-up, particularly in the third when they were under a lot of pressure.
"To be able to not concede a goal during that patch, and then to be able to respond late and extend that margin heading into the final quarter was pleasing," he said.
Delahunty also gave a nod to Sam White, who booted five majors for the Thunder.
"He's a ripper," he said.
"You could leave him at centre half back and he wouldn't probably be the best centre half back in the comp, but he provides a great target for us at centre half forward and plays well at both ends of the oval."
Delahunty said he was also pleased with the brand of football his side had played over the past month.
"We're starting to settle the side and settle guys in positions and, I think, getting that continuity with blokes playing together," Delahunty said.
"There were a fair few new guys at the start of the year and 39 players have been used so it's just been trying to find the balance for what it looks like.
"But certainly the way we're playing at the moment you've got to have some confidence but, you know, we'll see where we're at next week."
While Nhill will now play Dimboola in next week's semi-final, the Thunder have a date with minor premiers Ararat, with the winner of that clash heading into the grand final.
Final score, Thunder - 16.9 (105) def. Tigers - 6.12 (48)
Best, Thunder - Kieran Delahunty, Coleman Schache, Billy Lloyd, Angus McSweyn, Lou White, Sam White. Tigers - Nathan Alexander, Mitchell Dahlenburg, Jake McQueen, Adam Zimmermann, Liam Albrecht, Darcy Honeyman.
Meanwhile, Southern Mallee Thunder’s Under 17s bowed out of the finals in heartbreaking fashion on Sunday, falling to Nhill by just two points in the Elimination Final at Nhill.
The two sides had last met in round 16 when the Tigers inflicted a 51 point defeat on the Thunder at Hopetoun, but Thunder entered the final determined to turn the tables.
A wasteful start proved costly, with the boys in teal managing five behinds from their opportunities in front of goal while Nhill made the most of theirs, kicking two majors to hold a seven point lead at the first break.
The second quarter was an arm wrestle, both sides adding 1.2 as the contest tightened.
Thunder lifted in the third term, controlling play and creating chances, but again their inaccuracy prevented them from capitalising, the margin just six points in their favour at three quarter time.
The last quarter was played goal for goal, before a free kick on the 50 metre arc gave Nhill a late chance.
In unlikely conditions, the kick sailed through to edge the Tigers in front by two points, with the siren sounding before Thunder could muster a reply.
Max Roberts was outstanding across half back and on the wing, repeatedly driving his side into attack.
Ryder Gould again played beyond his size, taking strong marks and outsmarting his opponents, while Spencer Williams and Jackson Moore were composed with their disposal.
Lenny Weir rounded out Thunder’s best in what was a gallant but ultimately cruel end to their season.
Final score, Tigers - 5.7 (37) def. Thunder - 4.11 (35)
Best, Tigers - Andrew Klee, Bronti Effrett, Taite Beattie, Rylan Schneider, Mardi Bone, Jake Mcfarlane. Thunder - Max Roberts, Ryder Gould, Spencer Williams, Zander Eckermann, Jackson Moore, Lenny Weir
