Peel take lessons of progression from League leaders South Fremantle 

Peel Thunder have many lessons to take from their 35-point loss at the hands of League leaders South Fremantle at David Grays Arena on Saturday afternoon.

Photo by Nicole Alexander, 29th August, 2020. Curtin University.

It was a slow start for both sides, with both teams failing to register a goal in the opening term. The Thunder were unable to register a score while the Bulldogs despite their dominance could not capitalise on their opportunities with some wayward first quarter kicks for goal managing eight behinds.

Jackson Merrett and Brayden Lawler showcased poise for the home side, both having their fair share of the ball with 20-plus disposals. Josh Bootsma was one of Peel’s best with 19 disposals, including 2 intercept marks, 9 spoils and 10 rebound 50's, which all helped quell South Fremantle from a runaway win.

Peel have really focused on tackle pressure over the last month and once again this was on display as the side once again out tackled their opponent 61-56, with Brayden Lawler and ruckman Thomas Quaife both major proponents with 8 each.

Photo by Nicole Alexander, 29th August, 2020. Curtin University.

It wasn’t long before Bulldog’s fought back with midfielder Haiden Schloithe, who was moved forward after sustaining a heavy knock kicking one and getting involved in build-up of another. 

Despite failing to hit the scoreboard from any of their 7 first quarter inside 50’s, the Thunder managed to win the second quarter kicking 2.3 to 1.2 and went in trailing the top side by a solitary point at the half.

Coach Cam Shepherd saw opportunity and assured his side they had it in them if they continued the fight. The Bulldogs had other plans however as they came out with a point to prove in the third, kicking the first 3 goals of the quarter to take back full control of the game. South Freo were unrelenting with their pressure in the third, managing 17 inside 50’s, 4 of which were delivered by Jake Florenca who put the side on his back with 12 of his 36 disposals coming in the quarter.

The Thunder rallied late in the quarter as Jackson Merrett and Hayden Ballantyne kicked back to back goals to finish the term and Peel were back in the contest, down 8 going into the final term.

Coach Cam Shepherd wanted his side to have a bit more awareness coming into the final term and to continue working to get repeated stoppages in the backline and to take the game on when the chance was there.

“Those surge kicks forward are really going to give us some great opportunity to get the ball forward,” he said.

Any hopes of a final quarter revival were quickly dashed as former Premiership Player Nic Suban kicked a steadying goal early in the final term, before Vice-Captain Mason Shaw added another to push the margin out to 23-points. Robert Schindler-Taylor kicked his first League goal, but unfortunately for the Thunder the Bulldogs class shone through in the setting afternoon sun as they owned the footy, managing 60 more disposals and 25 more marks to completely take the sting out of the game. South Freo piling on the final 3 goals of the game to double up Peel’s score winning by 35-points 9.16 (70) to 5.5 (35).

Peel saw glimpses of promising play from the youngsters such as Jack Sears, who has showed his versatility at both ends of the field in recent weeks. 

Corey Morris celebrated 50 matches and was given warm round of applause from the Peel Thunder faithful. 

Morris said after the game he hopes to see the younger players take lessons and grow from these matches. 

Photo by Nicole Alexander, 22^nd August, 2020. Curtin University.

With a bye round coming up this week Morris said the side will continue tidying up their game plan execution, not just for the final game against East Perth but for next season and beyond.

That final game will take place away against East Perth at Leederville Oval on the 12^th of September from 2:30pm.

LEAGUE FINAL

PEEL GOALS: Ballantyne 2; Merrett, Bell, Schindler-Taylor 1

PEEL BEST: Merrett, Sears, Lawler, Cullen, Hancock, Bogensperger, Bootsma