Peel Thunder Football Club

Our road trip to Arena Joondalup on Sat 6th was a reasonably positive experience for the playing group and coaches alike, with some success being enjoyed by players in Game 1 and then an encouraging competitive effort from all players in Game 2. As against Subiaco the week prior, our focus against West Perth was providing an opportunity for players in the senior squad to test their progress against 2009 finalists and in doing so we had a blend of senior players through both teams.

Players in game 1 were impressive in their endeavours to play our style of game, while negating the opposition, and the final score line of Peel 12-14 to West Perth 7-1 was a good reflection of the work rate and fitness of all players. Rory O’Brien provided good run as a midfielder, while Daniel Murray and Johnny Bennell continued to build on their form.

Game 2 saw Peel get off to a flyer and score the 1st goal...but the next 20min exposed our immaturity and poor decision making with West Perth kicking 7 goals. A good lesson learnt against a quality team. The players showed great resolve in the 2nd quarter to get back in the contest, and in fact as the game progressed Peel were able to hold their own and outscore West Perth for the remaining quarters, to go down by 4 goals...encouraging given the poor start.

The final scores were West Perth 15-8 to Peel Thunder 11-6. Our Co Captains in Daniel Haines and Brendon Jones led the way and were well supported by Mat Brown and Mitch Green. Local product, Tom McCulloch was most impressive in his 1st game as a defender and ruckman.

This week we host Swan Districts, who have recruited heavily and are touted as Premiership contenders for 2010, in the final round of the preseason challenge and the coaches will again be keen to see all players step up to the challenge and press their claims to be 'the player of choice' for round 1 against Claremont.

We look forward to your continued support.

Trevor Williams
Senior Coach