The Thunder won 12.15 (87) to 2.6 (18) at St Kilda’s Peanut Farm Reserve to improve to 12-0 in the Victorian Women’s Football League premier division.

Ayre’s haul of seven goals from centre half-forward continued her outstanding form for the Thunder.

In six games the 17-year-old has kicked 31 goals.

“She provides that strong target up forward and you know everytime you kick it to her she is going to make something of it,” Thunder coach Cherie O’Neill said.

“She leads well and reads the ball well, but also goes in and gets her own ball… she’s just a really good all-round player.”

As well as Ayre’s seven goals, O’Neill also praised the effort of the midfield group led by captain Emma Grant, Jessica Kennedy, Elise Strachan, Laura Flanagan and Leach French.

And in defence the Thunder conceded a score of less than 20 for the sixth time in their 12 games.

“Our backline was tested in the first half, but they stood up really well,” O’Neill said.

“Overall, it was another really good team performance.”

The Thunder will continue their season this Saturday with a 4.45pm game against Deer Park at Deer Park.

In what’s a quirk of the fixture, it will be the second time in three games the Thunder has played Deer Park having beaten them at the QEO in round 10.

Match details:

Bendigo Thunder 12.15 (87) d St Kilda Sharks 2.6 (18).

Goals – I. Ayre 7, E. Ross, L. Flanagan 2, R. Hicks 1.

Best – A. Ayre, J. Kennedy, P. Conder, J. Louttit, E. Strachan, S. Last.