Football
23 May, 2024
Thunder hosts Dimboola at Rainbow
The Southern Mallee Thunder play at Rainbow for the first time this season when they host Dimboola in round six of the Wimmera Football Netball League.
The Thunder are sitting third on the ladder with a massive percentage of 228.79, with two of their three victories being triple-figure margins.
The Thunder don't look to have a weakness across the path, and their ability to share the ball around and have multiple players hit the scoreboard is their strength.
Last week they had 10 players hit the scoreboard and in the 21 goals kicked, Jackson Fisher led the way with four goals.
He has hit good form and will be hard to stop alongside Bradley Lowe, a key recruit with strong hands and accurate goal-kicking.
For Dimboola, recruit Andrew Moore has proven his worth through the midfield and is likely leading their best and fairest awards.
His impact is significantly amplified when paired with the skilled Dylan Landt and the robust Ben Miller, forming a dangerous midfield combination that has been challenging for opponents to contend with.
Last weekend, the team played without Jackson Calder, who had scored an impressive 19 goals in three games for the Roos. His absence was felt, but with his return, Dimboola’s offensive capabilities are greatly enhanced.
Important week for netballers
The Thunder are sitting fourth on the ladder, one game behind Dimboola who are sitting third. The Thunder will be confident of winning this match if they play to their best, but to do so, they need to stop Nicole Polycarpou.
Polycarpou has been their highest scorer this season with 100 games and is fresh off a 52-point game against the Eagles.
Defensively, Olivier Beugelaar and Bridget Dorrington have been exceptional, forming a formidable barrier against opposing teams.
The Thunder attack of Steph Thomson and Sydney Thorogood have combined well all season and if they can get the edge, and Catilin Douglass and Abby White can stop Polycarpou, a win is on the cards.