- SA go back-to-back at 2025 Survivor Jultopia Wollongong; Jonty Smith with second league B&F
- Thunder win 2025a by 21 points v CFC Stars; Jonty Smith with second league B&F
- Thunder forward Daniel Smith joins Jultopia teammate Jordan Peel at Central Wyoming for 2025-26
- Thunder win 2024b by 4 points v Futures Hornets; Jonty Smith with first league B&F
- SA win first title for 10 years at 2024 Survivor Jultopia Geelong; Jonty Smith with first league B&F
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Game preview: Gateway v Futures Pioneers
When these two teams last met, a Tik-Toker with 412,500 followers led the Pioneers to a 77-point score and they lost by nearly 40. Read that again. Who needs science fiction when you're living in what feels like an alternate reality already? Tonight's game sees a retooled Thunder minus a player transferred to the US college system and another who left his last game on a hospital stretcher. Again, an alternate reality. In fact, that all reads so crazy that next you'll tell us the AFL minor premiers were knocked out of the finals in straight sets without winning a single quarter. Two teams enter, one team leave. With no further adieu, we present to you Gateway v Futures Pioneers.
LAST FIVE GAMES HEAD-TO-HEAD
4/8/2025: Gateway 114 (Jon.Smith 40, Penn 22, Brook 17) d Futures Pioneers 77
12/5/2025: Gateway 78 (Jon.Smith 33, D.Smith 15, Sleep 10) d Futures Pioneers 59
7/4/2025: Gateway 69 (Jon.Smith 27, Penn 16, J.Smith 13) d Futures Pioneers 48
3/3/2025: Gateway 71 (Jon.Smith 21, D.Smith 15, Penn 14) d Futures Pioneers 48
3/2/2025: Gateway 108 (Jon.Smith 70, Vucetic 10, Jos.Smith 9) d Futures Pioneers 59
LADDER
1 (-). Gateway Thunder 8-0, 24pts @ 149%
6 (-). Futures Pioneers 4-4, 16pts @ 96%
OUR PREDICTION
Our bothan spies tell us the Thunder will be without the two players mentioned above and likely another, leaving the remaining 17 players - it feels like they must have at least 20 rostered at this stage - to take it up to the Pioneers. Futures are better than their record suggests, and are a legitimate championship contender with a strong balance of in and out, hot and cold, up and down, yes and no, black and white, wrong and right, we fight and break up, let's kiss and make up .... oops, scratch that last bit. Where were we again? The winner will deserve the points and the loser will move on to fight another week. We're a Thunder website so we remain totally biased and proud of it. Our tip? Thunder by 6 points. Let's hope so. Nervous times, nervous times.
FCA's Sunday Fellowship: fight the good fight
Ready: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7
SetL When I’m recruiting players, one of the most important qualities I look for is fight. Fight is that one thing that serves as the axis for our team. If we do that, then we never have anything to be ashamed of. It’s the one thing we can control. There will be things that will come and go; shooting percentages, adhering to a defensive scout, whatever it may be. But you can control how much effort you give and how hard you fight. It gives you the chance to be the best ever if you are talented, and it gives you a chance to compete even when you aren’t as talented as your opponent. Whether you’re facing an illness or any sort of struggle that may come your way, fight is a way of life. That is also very true when it comes to our existence as Christians. In athletics, we coach our players to fight for loose balls or to fight through adversity on the playing field. But in the spiritual realm, we coach those within our influence to fight the good fight. We help prepare them to fight through adversities on this journey to our eternal life in Heaven. When you talk about gritting your teeth and standing your ground, maybe nowhere is it more important than in your daily Christian walk and the moment-by-moment decisions. That means doing things that aren’t always easy but what’s necessary. That requires fight. That requires perseverance. And eventually, we will finish the race and be able to say, as the Apostle Paul did, we have kept the faith.
Go: In athletic terms, how would define the word “fight?” Read 2 Timothy 4:6-8. What is the fight that Paul describes here? How can you incorporate “fight” into the spiritual challenges and decisions you face daily?
Workout: 1 Corinthians 9:24-25; Colossians 3:17-24; 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:6-8
Overtime: Father, thank you for giving me the strength to fight the good fight. Help me to stand against temptations and challenges that I face daily and stand up for my faith. Help me to have fight in my spiritual life. Amen.
WCB Round 8 ladder
Each Wednesday we'll publish the WCB A Grade Men premiership ladder here because well ..... just because. OK, it's because we're getting older by the minute and can't work out the app but fortunately we do know how websites work. Next stop is to give away our Puma Lufts and tape cassettes and start wearing Nike Air Force Ones and using CDs but we're not sure neither will take off. We shall see. With no further adieu, here's the full A Grade Men premiership ladder. Enjoy.
1 (-). Gateway Thunder 8-0, 24pts @ 149%
2 (-). CFC Stars 6-1, 19pts @ 139%
3 (-). Supernova Sigmas 6-0, 18pts @ 122%
4 (-). Futures Warriors 5-2, 17pts @ 121%
5 (-). Air Journey 4-1-2, 16pts @ 118%
6 (-). Futures Pioneers 4-4, 16pts @ 96%
7 (-). CFC Sasquatches 4-3, 15pts @ 115%
8 (-). CFC Warriors 3-5, 14pts @ 100%
9 (-). North Western Mustangs 2-1-4, 12pts @ 92%
10 (-). Gateway Tsunami 0-7, 7pts @ 71%
Vale Charlie Kirk
Yes, we know the world is divided. Yes, we know people are divided on the loss of a young man engaging in open, public debate on a college campus but regardless of your views, this isn't the way. From everyone at leaguelineup.com and the Thunder, our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of Charlie Kirk and all who knew him. Just horrible, horrible news and may God's grace be with them all. Vale Charlie Kirk.
Never forget
We will never forget. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the friends and families of the victims.
Game review: Gateway d CFC Warriors
You'd be forgiven for thinking a game of 7th v 1st would be a blowout and easy victory for the number one seed. Wrong. As they've shown throughout their time in the league, the Warriors fought and fought hard and early on, looked like they might cause a boilover. Shots from deep, shots from midrange, slashing to the basket ..... the Thunder found themselves on the back foot and in need of inspiration. Enter backcourt Smith and Vucetic who with help from sidekicks Brook and McKinnon, and frontcourt flashes of brilliance from Smith, Smith and Sleep, led the good guys back to the front after a mid-game defensive lockdown that saw the margin jump and remain around 20 points the remainder of the way. Final score Gateway 93 (Jon.Smith 26, Vucetic 20, Sleep 15, McKinnon 12, Brook 9, J.Smith 6, Jos.Smith 5) d CFC Warriors 73 and mark our words when we say there are no easy games in A Grade. Welcome back to the CFC Warriors and look out everyone else when you play these guys. They're tough. Nervous times, nervous times.
On this day 20 years ago .....
On this day 20 years ago, Australian serial killer John Wayne Glover died by suicide, American harness racer Stanley Dancer passed away, a Russian Navy Su-33 figher jet sank after a landing accident, and Typhoon Nabi made landfall in Japan. There was of course something closer to home that occurred, which changed the trajectory of the Thunder, Jultopia, South Adelaide and Central Wyoming but privacy laws prevent us saying what it is. If you know, you know. If you don't, you don't. Happy 20th anniversary of a very special day in history. Exciting times, exciting times.
Game preview: Gateway v CFC Warriors
A revised A Grade draw sees the CFC Warriors return to A Grade after a 3-year absence and we for one, can't wait. The Warriors are a competitive unit who have done well in B Grade and will no doubt do well in the revised A/B Grade from here on in. As for a form guide, we're more lost than usual and that's saying something. Two teams enter, one team leave. With no further adieu, we present to you Gateway v CFC Warriors.
LAST FIVE GAMES HEAD-TO-HEAD
28/11/2022: Gateway 55 (Jon.Smith 17 Vucetic 12, Penn 11) d Seaton Warriors 47
17/10/2022: Gateway 91 (Jon.Smith 37, D.Smith 26, Jos.Smith 9) d Seaton Warriors 32
22/8/2022: Gateway 88 (D.Smith 35, Jon.Smith 30, Penn 8) d Seaton Warriors 39
23/5/2022: Gateway 72 (Jon.Smith 29, Anderson 12, J.Smith 12) d Seaton Warriors 45
14/3/2022: Gateway 63 (D.Smith 20, Jon.Smith 18, Jos.Smith 9) d Seaton Warriors 41
LADDER
1 (1). Gateway Thunder 7-0, 21pts @ 154%
7 (-). CFC Warriors 3-4, 13pts @ 106%
OUR PREDICTION
Our bothan spies tell us the Thunder will be without at least 3 players and maybe 4, the revolving door of player lineupdom continuing for another week. The artist formerly known as Seaton Warriors aka the CFC Warriors meanwhile come into the game with no doubt some players we've seen before and some we haven't. We confess we literally have no idea and on that basis, this week's prediction is a guess even more than other weeks. Yep, it's like that. Our tip? Don't drink and drive. Thunder by 8 points. Let's hope so. Confusing times, confusing times.
Introducing the United Baptist Church, Riverton Wyoming
The buildup to the 2025-26 NJCAA season continues for your Central Wyoming Rustlers and today we bring to you yet another strange connection to the Thunder via the United Baptist Church of Riverton, Wyoming. Our bothan spies tell us the senior pastor, Clark Grogan, is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University, Gateway Seminary (formally Golden Gate). Central Wyoming forward Daniel Smith of course, also plays for Gateway and both Smith and Central Wyoming guard Jordan Peel visited the Golden Gate on their way to Riverton. Boom and for those playing along at home, yes it's a quiet week on the Central Wyoming front with not a lot of info available on the interwebs. As with all Central Wyoming information published on our website, this is all publicly available from the internets so feel free to do your own homework or just read it here. C'mon boys, more stories on your website, the social medias or in the Riverton media. Please. Interesting times, interesting times.
Thunder set to lose another player
Anxious times for the Thunder with our bothan spies telling us the Thunder are set to lose yet another player. With forwards Brad and Daniel Smith sidelined indefinitely if not forever, the Thunder can ill afford to lose another big but lo and behold, our bothan spies tell us it's happening. They refused to name the player or any other details pertaining to the departure but this is not good, not good. Stay tuned for more details because like the Transformers, we're confident there's more to this than meets the eye. Anxious times, anxious times.
FCA's Friday Fellowship: fiery faith
Ready: "Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, 'O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.'" -Daniel 3:16-18
Set: Eric was a finely tuned football player who went to battle for his team every Friday night. He was ready to do what his coach asked him to do for the sake of his team. Then came the big game against their conference rivals. The quarterback on the other team was having a great season. The coach pulled Eric aside and told him that when he had the chance, he must take the QB out of the game, however he needed to do it. Eric, an FCA member and believer in Christ, had a decision to make. Back in the days of King Nebuchadnezzar, three men were challenged with a similar decision. They served the king faithfully until he commanded all to bow down and worship the golden statue. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had a decision to make, but it did not take them very long. Even if it cost them to be thrown into the fiery furnace, they would stand their ground for what they believed. In the toughest situation, they would rather face death than go against what they knew was right in God's eyes. Eric knew what he had to do. He immediately told the coach he would play his heart out for the team, but would never intentionally hurt an opponent. His coach was furious and benched Eric for his response. Eric, though disappointed in the coach's decision, stood true to his faith and his heavenly team. Could you do the same? Eric, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did, and in the end, they were the winners!
Go: 1. Has your coach ever asked you to do something that goes against your faith? 2. How would you respond to the above situation? Are you willing to stand up for your faith? 3. Today, how can you start to live out your faith in your sport, even if it costs you playing time?
Workout: Extra Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:10, 2 Timothy 3:10-17
Overtime: God, help me make the right decision when I am asked to do something against Your standards. I want my actions to be right in Your eyes and honor Your name. Amen.
Changes to WCB A Grade
Exciting times in the WCB with 4 teams added to the A Grade Men competition from next week, a realignment of grades and a shift from A Grade Men to A/B Grade Men. The finals will be made up of 1-4 in A Grade, and 5-8 in B Grade .... and teams 9-10 missing altogether. We like it and can't wait for the rest of the season. Go Gateway!
WCB Round 7 ladder
Each Wednesday we'll publish the WCB A Grade Men premiership ladder here because well ..... just because. OK, it's because we're getting older by the minute and can't work out the app but fortunately we do know how websites work. Next stop is to give away our Puma Lufts and tape cassettes and start wearing Nike Air Force Ones and using CDs but we're not sure neither will take off. We shall see. With no further adieu, here's the full A Grade Men premiership ladder. Enjoy.
1 (1). Gateway Thunder 7-0, 21pts @ 154%
2 (2). CFC Stars 5-1, 16pts @ 139%
3 (3). Air Journey 3-1-2, 13pts @ 119%
4 (4). Futures Pioneers 3-4, 13pts @ 90%
5 (5). North Western Mustangs 2-1-3, 11pts @ 92%
6 (6). Gateway Tsunami 0-6, 6pts @ 69%
7 (7). CFC Sixers 0-4, 4pts @ 53%
Game review: Gateway d Gateway
The AD era continued last night as the Thunder took own derby rival Tsunami in a blockbuster matchup worthy of the price of free admission. With eight players on deck, the Thunder's depth proved too strong for the Tsunami who put up a fight early but ultimately fell short as the constant running took its toll on their legs. Then it happened as veteran guard Vucetic threw a pass somewhere up there near the rim and guard Jonty Smith threw it down. Not since Earl Manigault has anyone reached these heights, Vucetic dutifully substituted immediately afterwards. C'mon Coach, have a heart. The win sees the Thunder retain top spot with some big news coming for the grade shortly. Final score Gateway 96 (Jon.Smith 35, Brook 18, Penn 16, McKinnon 11, J.Smith 6, Vucetic 6, Sleep 4) d Gateway Tsunami 44. Good times, good times.
Game preview: Gateway v Gateway
It's derby time again for the second time this season, as our two favourite Gateway A Grade Men teams go at it yet again, this time with the Thunder's #1 big man a distant memory. The Tsunami meanwhile have added a touch of youthfulness to their side, making this an intriguing matchup. Two Gateway teams enter, one Gateway team leave. With no further adieu, we present to you Gateway Thunder v Gateway Tsunami.
LAST FIVE GAMES HEAD-TO-HEAD
21/7/2025: Thunder 85 (Vucetic 22, Brook 15, McKinnon 15) d Gateway Tusnami 62
23/6/2025 (semi-final): Thunder 83 (Jon.Smith 32, D.Smith 17, Vucetic 11) d Gateway Tsunami 67
19/5/2025: Thunder 50 (Penn 16, Vucetic 14 Sleep 9) d Gateway Tsunami 43
14/4/2025: Thunder 98 (Jon.Smith 36, Vucetic 22, McKinnon 15) d Gateway Tsunami 38
10/3/2025: Thunder 52 (Jon.Smith 25, D.Smith 13, Sleep 4) d Gateway Tsunami 47
OUR PREDICTION
Mark this one down as a danger game with the Tsunami capable of absolutely anything. With the competition's best big man accompanied by some heavy duty scorers, plenty of depth and youthfulness and they are a serious premiership contender ... but not this season. Surprisingly, they sit dead last but don't let that record fool you. They're better than that - a lot better - and will bring the heat against their undefeated opponents. The Thunder looked good in patches last week but dreadful in others and are clearly adjusting to a new life without the big boy. Can they find their rhythm tonight or will the Tsunami swamp the Thunder? Our tip? Thunder by 4 points in a blockbuster worthy of the premium 8.25pm timeslot. Let's hope so. Nervous times, nervous times.
