FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON - BY YSABELLA SALISBURY

Peel Thunder have won their first game of the 2018 WAFL season after beating East Fremantle by 15 points in a nail biting game at Bendigo Bank Stadium on Friday.

The Thunder overcame an 11-point deficit heading into the fourth term to take the lead and steal the win with the final score 11.12 (78) to 9.9 (63).

Peel’s captain Gerald Ugle said "It was the Thunder’s unique game plan that got the team their first four points of the season."

“I think just our effort and our trademark in the last half got us over the line,” he said.

Peel trailed the Sharks for most of the game, kicking only three goals to East Fremantle’s four in the first term.  

In the second quarter the Thunder had chances to hit the scoreboard, but were inaccurate in front of goals, only kicking one goal for the term.

After half time Peel were able to stay with the Sharks kicking two goals, trailing going into three quarter time by 11 points.

It was the fourth quarter that saw the Thunder push back, kicking five goals to the Sharks one in the final term to defeat the Sharks by 15 points.  

Ugle said that Peel lifted their intensity around the ball in the fourth quarter assisting their push for the lead.

“Our pressure around the ball and our ball use, skills and speed helped us get that lead,” he said.

A big part of that defence was Blair Bell who racked up 20 disposals, seven tackles and took a screamer of a mark during the second term.

Ugle said,  "Belly had a great game and was a significant contributor towards the win".

“He was really strong in the midfield, he got the ball going forward for us a lot of the time,” he said.

“He was amazing today.”

 Peel Thunder face Swan Districts next Saturday, April 7, at Steel Blue Oval.

BY: YSABELLA SALISBURY