Thunder shines ahead of state titles

“It was a successful competition. Everyone loved coming up despite the cold weather,” she said.

Clubs travelled from Geelong, Werribee, Melton and Bendigo, with each bringing several teams to compete.

Thunder enjoyed a successful day, with its junior teams securing two third-place finishes and its masters teams claiming two first-place honours.

“Everyone went out there and did amazing,” Ms Coatsworth said.

“It was like a dress rehearsal for state titles.”

The event drew about 150 spectators, filling the stands throughout the day.

“The stands were full, about 150 people watched them perform,” she said.

“Everyone cheers everyone on and claps for everyone. Everyone was extremely happy, just extremely cold.”

With the state titles just three weeks away and the national championships following five weeks later, Ms Coatsworth said the competition was an important opportunity to fine-tune routines.

Ms Coatsworth also praised the volunteers who helped make the competition a success.

“We put a call-out for volunteers to help us run the barbecue and the response was amazing,” she said.

“Not one of us had to cook a sausage or an egg and bacon roll all day. It was all done by volunteers from the public. A lot of them didn't have anything to do with the club.

“Our volunteers that support our club are amazing.”

The club will begin recruiting for its 2027 season in September.