THE Bendigo Thunder got a taste this week of what it’s like to train for the Fire Brigade as part of their build-up to this Sunday’s VWFL premier division match against St Kilda Sharks.
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The Thunder swapped their usual familiar surrounds of Dower Park on Wednesday night for the Bendigo Fire Station for a training session with a difference.
“It was a chance to mix things up a bit for the girls,” Thunder coach Cherie O’Neill said on Friday.
“They had a big pre-season and now it’s getting to the middle stage of the season, so it was a good opportunity to put the footy’s down, get around each other and have a bit of fun.
“They got a bit of a taste of the entry test drills for the CFA… dummy drags, tyre hits with the sledgehammer, hauling drums up the stairs, climbing ladders, running flights of stairs and having a go on the hoses.
“It was good fun, good for fitness and good for team building as well in that they were trying things together they wouldn’t normally do.”
On the field the Thunder continues to set the pace, with Bendigo now three games clear at the top of the ladder with a 7-0 record.
They travel to St Kilda’s Peanut Farm Reserve on Sunday to take on bottom side St Kilda Sharks, who they defeated by 24 points in round two.
The Thunder will get the chance to test their depth on Sunday, with the side to be missing players including captain Emma Grant, Leah French, Erin Ross, Abbey Hay and Emma McLean.
“It’s going to be a good test for others to step up and show what they are made of, and to also try a few different players in different positions,” O’Neill said
Sunday’s game against St Kilda starts at noon.
Meanwhile, O’Neill says there’s plenty of excitement around the club with confirmation this week the Thunder will play their round 10 game against Deer Park under the QEO lights from 5.30pm on Saturday, July 9.
“We can’t wait for that… everyone is putting their hand up for that game and really looking forward to showcasing what they have got on the QEO,” O’Neill said.
“Hopefully, we get a good crowd for the game and can really show them what girls footy is made of.”
• Thunder’s season so far:
Rd 1 – 6.6 (42) d Port Melbourne Colts 4.2 (26).
Rd 2 – 4.7 (31) d St Kilda Sharks 1.1 (7).
Rd 3 – 10.17 (77) d Eastern Devils 1.0 (6).
Rd 4 – 10.5 (65) d Deer Park 5.6 (36).
Rd 5 – 10.12 (72) d Eastern Devils 1.4 (10).
Rd 6 – 15.8 (98) d Melbourne Uni 3.3 (21).
Rd 7 – 10.9 (69) def Port Melbourne Colts 3.4 (22).
