Dookie United A-grade mentor Laura Henderson has labelled her side’s “close-knit” bond as one of the main reasons for their impressive start to the Kyabram District League season.
Two months into the campaign and the Thunder remain unbeaten, along with Shepparton East, as they look to return back to the big dance and right the wrongs of last year.
The 2022 runner-up was clinical on Saturday against an improved Undera and pencilled in a dominant 72-39 round eight win.
Off the back of another class performance, Henderson highlighted what has helped her side continue to reach new heights in 2023.
“I think it’s the connection within our group to be honest,” she said.
“They all get along and share a close bond on and off the court and it’s allowed them to gel as a team.
“They have obviously been playing together for a while now and they have learned how each other plays, where everyone likes to run and how long they hold onto the ball, all of those little things.
“It makes my job a lot easier I know that.”
Maddison Owen excelled in a new role for the Thunder on Saturday and was one of her side’s top performers.
Henderson gave her side’s gun ring goaler a chance to move up the court in goal attack.
United’s mentor also praised the effort of Gemma O’Sullivan, with her versatility adding another weapon into Henderson’s arsenal.
“Maddi had a new role and we had her in goal-attack but she was on fire with he shooting,” Henderson said.
“We had Gemma in wing attack but moved her to defence and she just didn’t look out of place, having that versatility is so important.
“The two of them with their leadership out on the court is really important.
“It was a really good win because we knew that Undera had some momentum behind them and they were on that rollercoaster run.
“We knew we couldn’t go in with the mindset knowing it would be an easy task.
“We had a big focus on getting back to basics and being right on from the first whistle ... it was a really pleasing win.”
In other netball results, Nagambie got back to winning ways with a 68-45 win over Rushworth, Girgarre flexed its muscles over Lancaster, winning 43-22, and Merrigum skipped away to a 19-goal win over Avenel.
Stanhope was too strong for Longwood (55-32), Tallygaroopna thumped Murchison-Toolamba (56-27) and Shepparton East was too strong for Violet Town (56-32).
On the football ground, Dookie United held onto sixth spot on the ladder following a gritty win.
The Thunder held off a gallant Undera 9.8 (62) to 7.8 (50) to pencil in their fifth win of the campaign.
Ryan McKenna and Ethan Batey were the two standouts for the home side while Corey Reardon gave his all for Undera.