Thunder seize top spot as Brave and Mustangs surge

James Lane

For the first time in weeks, there’s a new leader atop the AIHL. Perth pieced together a perfect weekend to leapfrog Newcastle into first place, while Canberra and Melbourne continued their charge up the standings with impressive sweeps. With just a handful of rounds remaining, the race for finals positions is becoming more intense by the week.

Perth Thunder 4 – 3 Sydney Ice Dogs

Friday night’s opener hinted at what was to come for Perth.

The Thunder edged the Ice Dogs in a tightly contested affair, with both the first and third periods ending 1–1. The difference came in the middle frame, where Perth did just enough to claim an important victory over one of their closest rivals.

Perth Thunder 7 – 2 Central Coast Rhinos

Saturday’s result looked unlikely early.

The Rhinos led 2–1 after the opening period and still had the game tied 2–2 at the second intermission. Then Perth exploded.

The Thunder poured in five unanswered goals in the third period to turn an even contest into a comprehensive victory, completing another statement performance against a fellow finals contender.

Brisbane Lightning 5 – 4 Adelaide Adrenaline

Brisbane produced one of the great escapes of the season.

Trailing entering the third period, the Lightning erupted for four goals in the final frame to snatch victory with less than a minute remaining.

Grant Hebert drove the comeback, finishing with two goals and two assists while contributing to all but one of Brisbane’s goals.

Melbourne Mustangs 6 – 5 Newcastle Northstars

The Mustangs claimed another valuable scalp by handing Newcastle a second defeat in three meetings.

The Northstars won both the opening and closing periods 2–1, but Melbourne’s dominant 4–1 second period proved decisive.

It also became a fascinating duel between two standout forwards. Brody Crane orchestrated almost everything for the Mustangs with a goal and five assists, while Santeri Haarala responded with a goal and four assists for Newcastle in an outstanding individual battle.

Canberra Brave 7 – 6 Sydney Bears (OT)

Saturday’s thriller belonged to Canberra.

The sides could barely be separated all night, tied 1–1 after the first period, 4–4 after the second, and 6–6 after regulation.

Justin Maylan eventually settled matters in overtime, giving the Brave a crucial extra point in one of the most entertaining games of the weekend.

Canberra Brave 7 – 3 Sydney Bears

Canberra completed the sweep on Sunday with a much more controlled performance.

The Brave dictated proceedings throughout and never allowed the Bears back into the contest. Jake Ratcliffe continued his outstanding form, finishing with two goals and three assists.

Perth Thunder 3 – 1 Brisbane Lightning

Perth wrapped up a perfect round by overcoming Brisbane in a disciplined defensive display.

After a scoreless opening period, the Thunder struck twice in the second to take command before comfortably closing out the victory.

Melbourne Mustangs 8 – 3 Sydney Ice Dogs

The Mustangs also completed a six-point weekend in emphatic fashion.

Melbourne took control immediately with a 3–1 opening period and never looked back. Scott Timmons starred with two goals and two assists as the Mustangs comfortably accounted for the Ice Dogs.

Standings

Perth’s flawless weekend lifts them to the top of the AIHL on 42 points, ending Newcastle’s long stay in first place. The Northstars slip to second on 38 after another inconsistent weekend.

Canberra and Melbourne have surged into a share of third on 35 points following back-to-back wins, turning what once looked like an outside finals push into genuine contention for a top-two finish.

The Bears remain fifth on 31, narrowly ahead of the Ice Dogs on 30, while Melbourne Ice stay on 28 despite having the weekend off. Central Coast continue to slide after another winless round and remain on 26 points, with Brisbane improving to 22 after splitting their weekend.

Adelaide remain anchored to the bottom on 7 points.