Reserves match report

After another good start to the game in the first quarter matching West Perth in all areas, our ability not to take the opportunities in front off goal cost the team as we kicked 3.10 in the first half  compared to West Perth 6.5.

We were lead well by Haydn Matthews, Keegan Power and James Kirby in the midfield, our forward pressure was not good enough which allowed West Perth to exit our forward 50 to easy on several occasions.

The second half we dropped our intensity and  the contested brand off footy we played in the first half dropped away, 

Having our key back Matthew Piggott, go down with an ankle injury put pressure on the defence and with the ease the ball was coming in the back line found it hard to help each other and West Perth made us pay with clean ball use and key forwards kicking straight.

The last quarter was pleasing to outscore the opposition as we never give up and the resilience off the group under difficult circumstances has been positive given the amount off quality players are missing due to injury.

With 3 games to go we will work hard at training and look to play some attacking footy and learn how to stay in games for longer and take the opportunities when we have control off the game and how to take momentum away from the opposition when they have the game on their terms.

Better player for the game:

Keegan Power - Worked hard all day finished with 32 possessions and 6 inside 50's

Haydon Matthews- Another solid game from the captain with 39 possessions and 5 tackles, really sets the standard when playing back from the league side.

James Kirby- After being stiff to miss league selection after a solid game against South Freo James worked hard and his attitude was strong and finished with 27 possessions and had 7 tackles.

Jacob Shine- Always gives great effort in defense when the back line in under siege 

Michael Tassone- Ran hard and his effort all day was at a high standard, finished the day with 21 possessions, 5 inside 50's and 2 goals

Ben Roberts was good early and showed composure with the ball by hand and foot.

Calvin Torne- had 23 possessions and 7 inside 50's for the day and is building into some good form over the last couple off weeks.

Get down to Bendigo Bank Stadium this Saturday, August 4th to watch the Thunder take on rivals, East Perth.

Bounce down at 2:15pm.

Written by : Senior Development coach - Daniel Haines