Football
9 May, 2024
Thunder look to bounce back
The Thunder will look to bounce back at home when they host the Horsham Saints at Hopetoun Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
Thunder coach Kieran Delahunty knows the Saints are dangerous and is confident they can bounce back from their loss against Ararat last weekend.
"They have some good players. Mitch Martin had a big year last year up forward so we will need to put some time and effort into him and making sure we can shut him down in a particular way," Delahunty said.
"We have learned a lot from the game on the weekend and hopefully we can bounce back from it."
Saints coach Ben Knott said it would be a good test.
"We are still missing a few players so it will be a good test for our young group," Knott said.
"In the third quarter against Warrack, we played how we want to play and if we play like that for all four quarters, we have a good chance."
In netball, the Saints are unbeaten and are currently the best team in the competition. Thunder coach Steph Thomson said they need to keep possession and play to their strengths.
"It's going to be a hard match, there is no denying that. I don't want the girls to think we will get thrashed and if it happens, it happens," Thomson said.
"Everyone was at training this week and we are working hard on keeping possession of the ball playing our game and trying to be competitive.
"They are a polished team and move the ball well and we are looking forward to the challenge."
Thomson said they are still gelling as a team and have been working hard on that aspect.
"We don't see each other and spend as much time with each other so we have incorporated goal setting," Thomson said.
"We set goals for ourselves and have a partner and share it around to get a connection happening.
"Everyone is supportive of each other and we have a nice culture and everyone is feeling good."
Saints co-coach Elly Barnett said the Thunder are an unknown quantity with new players they are facing.
"We definitely won't be taking them easy as they have quality players and there might be a bit of adjustment needed after the game starts, but we are looking forward to stepping up to the plate and hopefully can secure another win," Barnett said.