Round 21 Footy Wrap

LEAGUE

Peel 16.10 (106) defeated Perth 10.3 (63)

We again had to recover from a big deficit against Perth on Saturday.

Perth, led by Brady Grey, Corey Byrne and Fraser McInnes played really strong football in the first quarter and were commanding leaders at quarter time by seven-goals to one.

We had a real job on our hands and we especially needed more from our midfield having seen Perth kick 6.1 from stoppages in the first term.

To the credit of the team we challenge them to respond, we didn’t shift the team around, we thought that it was fair to give every one a chance to right the wrongs.

The group then went to work.

Over the last three quarters we kicked 15.10 to Perths 3.2 and we dominated the game, firstly overhauling our opposition and then extending our advantage.

All aspects after quarter time were complete.

The defence led by Ben Hancock and Sandy Brock were a tough unit to crack.

The midfield led by Lloyd Meek, Tyrone Thorne, Mitch Crowden, Bailey Banfield, Jacko Merrett and Stef Giro dominated.

And the forwards all contributed with Blair Bell, Brayden Lawler, Joel Western, Jack Sears and Tobe Watson all prominent.

All in all a great result.

RESERVES

Peel Thunder 8.8 (56) Defeated by Perth 18.12 (120)

As has been the case on most occasions in season 2021, our senior development side were brave and showed signs of strong effort and an ability to execute a game-plan, but were ultimately squashed by experience and seasoned bodies at WAFL level.  Our opponents in the Demons fielded two-former AFL listed players, four-players 30-years old or higher plus three 100 game WAFL League players and Perths former League captain in Corey Yeo in what ultimately proved too much for our young brigade featuring just two-players over 21-years old. 

We took great satisfaction in our unconditional effort shown on the day demonstrated by our tackling numbers of 64-tackles versus Perths 37 and us also finishing the day +5 in centre bounce clearances and 36-rebound 50s showed our troops were not inclined to let the scoreboard dictate effort and continue to take enormous pride in wearing our jumper. 

Notable players on the day:

Jake Howes:  Returned to Senior Development football, after making his league debut, in marvellous fashion with 18-disposals (12-contested) eight clearances and 12-tackles. Lead from the front and showed his trademark tenacity around the contest. 

Dave Yaccob:  Showed signs of maturity in his ability to play balanced football from the back half.  Defended well, and provided his signature drive from half back. 

Jonathon Ietto:  Bounced back from a disappointing day against Swan Districts to provide some spark through the middle and forward.  Capitalising on some freedom given to him from the third quarter. The Harvey product finished with 13-disposals (80% EFF) and three-goals. 

Kane Johnston:  A late season debut from the Harvey Bulls, showed definite signs of being a player of the future with three-shots on goal and three-inside 50s from his 10-disposals. 

COLTS

Peel 10.22 (82) defeated Perth 7.2 (44)

The penultimate game of the season was a Friday night showdown against cellar dwellers Perth.  The only team to go winless in 2021, the Demons were desperate to get a win at David Grays Arena.

Our opening quarter proved dominant in every area except for conversion, netting 3.6.  Perth made the most of limited opportunity to kick 2.0 and keep themselves in the contest heading into the second term.

Quarter two was a little lacklustre with goals difficult to come by, but again it was Peel doing most of the damage on the scoreboard, albeit in small doses kicking 1.8 to 0.1.  With a 25-point half time lead our aim was to kick away in the second half but Perth stuck with the us through some efficient goal kicking to keep the three-quarter time deficit to a gettable 29-points.

A strong start in the last gave the Demons a small glimmer of hope but it was quickly snuffed out by our side that was dominant all-night finishing 10.22 (82) to 7.2 (44) winners.  A 38-point margin that could have been much more with greater accuracy coming from 32-scoring shots.

An even number of contributors enabled a strong win and here’s a selection of those who were consistent for four quarters:

1. Josh Draper – it was a good night to be a forward for Peel and Josh’s work rate was first class with multiple leading efforts combined with some strong marking.  A real beacon for midfielders streaming forward looking for a target.  Finished his night with an equal team high seven marks and a goal.

2. Michael Sellwood – his strong attack on the football was reflected by his fourteen tackles.  Followed up with a game high 23-possessions showing both his defensive and attacking capabilities.  A solid all-round game and the pick of the midfielders.

3. Luke Polson – with some quality delivery into the forward 50 it allowed the agile tall plenty of looks at goal finishing with nine scoring shots and kicking 3.6.  The scoring shots were complimented by some good overhead marking, having an equal game high of seven.

4. Kallian Levitt & Jack Illot – the half back line was well served by these two creating turnovers and turning them into forward thrusts.  With seven combined inside 50’s it was a great example of how attacking defenders should approach their game.

5. Joel Rush – the small forward role can be a little hit and miss at times, but the ability to collect the ball in loose ball situations and create scoring opportunities were a highlight.  Finished his work with a classy snap on goal late in the game which was a reward for a lot of the effort he provided over four quarters.

Some encouraging signs late in the season from the Thunder and we now get a chance to go back-to-back this Saturday against Subiaco at David Grays Arena.