MATCH REPORT: SWAN DISTRICT VS PEEL THUNDER – 2 April 2016

Sandover Medallist Rory O’Brien has continued his solid start to the season, leading Peel Thunder to an emphatic 52-point victory over Swan Districts in warm conditions at Bassendean Oval.

Despite dominating the game in almost every department, Peel struggled to shake the home side before a strong final term saw them run out victors 11.28 (94) to 6.6 (42).

Veteran midfielder O’Brien took full advantage of the ruck work of Jonathon Griffin and Jack Hannath, racking up 33 possessions as the two Fremantle big men won a combined total of 49 hit-outs.

Swan Districts opened the scoring in the first quarter, as high intensity football saw errors from both sides in the opening exchange and the report of Brayden Lawler for a heavy hit.

The Thunder were wasteful in front of goal, kicking only five goals from 24 scoring shots during the first three quarters, before four unanswered majors in the final term increased the margin.

Key defender Josh Bootsma had a solid game, notching ten disposals as Swans were restricted to just six goals for the match.

He said O’Brien’s experience was important.

“He’s a veteran of the club and also the league, so he brings a lot of effort and plays with a lot of intensity,” Bootsma said.

Bootsma said it was important to get a few wins on the board before the team had a bye in Round 5.

“It’s great for the club, we’ve got the bye in a couple of weeks so we want to cement our spot in the top four, top five, so it’s really crucial to get the wins on the board,” he said.

O’Brien was strongly supported in the midfield by Lawler and Tendai Mzungu, both of whom had 25 possessions, while key forward Matt Taberner provided a target up front, taking 10 marks and kicking 2 goals to go with his 25 disposals.

Young winger Darcy Tucker again showed he has the class to match it at senior level, with 21 touches and 2 goals.

Adam Faulkner (28 disposals, 1 goal) and Graham Jetta (26 disposals) were solid for Swan Districts, while young forward Ricky Cary kicked three goals.

Goals:

Peel Thunder: Taberner 2, Uebergang 2, Tucker 2, Lawler, Hannath, Mzungu, Hancock, Thorne

Swan Districts: Cary 3, Nuich 2, Faulkner