The Thunder held a two-point lead going into the last quarter after the Warriors failed to capitalise on their opportunities, kicking 3.5 in the third term.
The last quarter was free-flowing football with nine goals scored, but it was Thunder who came out on top to win 93-84.
Thunder coach Kieran Delahunty said the match against Stawell was a see-sawing affair.
“It was obviously a great contest and we dug deep and ran out the game really well – it was a very pleasing win,” he said.
Delahunty said the more his side played together, the better results they achieved.
The Thunder have picked up some recruits since the season began – but has also lost some key players in Harry McLeod, out injured for the season, and Delahunty who broke his leg in round five.
Newcomers include Angus Dewar and Reid Polak – the pair have an existing connection having played together in the Western Australian Football League – and the Thunder has welcomed them with open arms.
But Dewar comes to the Thunder at a cost – he is a six-point player due to once playing for West Coast Eagles when their list was hammered by COVID in 2022.
“He’s slotted in really well down back – we’re really lucky to get him to the club,” he said.
“He has great leadership qualities and a fantastic fella as well.”
Thunder said Polak had also performed well in his three games at the Thunder, with the full forward kicking five goals against Stawell.
Others to perform well against the Warriors were Billy Lloyd, Angus McSweyn, and Jarrod Stokes.
Delahunty said he was unsure of a return date for him to play again.
“It’s just one of those frustrating injuries, where I’m walking around now and it’s feeling pretty good walking, but it’s just progressing to that next step to get back running, and then get back training,” he said.
For the Warriors, Josh Fowkes, Jarrod Illig and Charlie Gibson impressed.
The Thunder now turns their attention to this weekend’s match against Warrack Eagles, who will be fresh after a bye in round 10.
“They’ve certainly been very competitive. I’m not sure how many games lost by under three goals now, but it’s a few. They bring a lot of effort and endeavour, and make you earn it,” Delahunty said.
Minyip-Murtoa scored a strong 58-point win over Dimboola in the Saxton-Walsh Cup.
With the goal-scoring shared between 10 Burra players, it was Tanner Smith, Liam Kidd and Nick Cushing who shone.
In other results Nhill was back on the winner’s list after downing Horsham Saints 93-66, while Ararat were scintillating as it piled on 27 goals to score a huge 175-31 win over Horsham Demons.
Jack Ganley, kicking 10 goals, was the star of the Rats’ show, while Henry Shea bagged five, and Tom Williamson four.
In other round 11 action, Minyip-Murtoa hosts Stawell in what will be the match of the round, Dimboola travel to Ararat, and Horsham Saints host Horsham Demons in a Sunday match.
The entire July 2, 2025 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
