MATCH REPORT: EAST FREMANTLE VS PEEL THUNDER - 28 MAY 2016

Peel Thunder put in a gritty performance to beat East Fremantle by 26 points in near-perfect conditions at ATOM stadium on Saturday.
The Thunder, who are now level with the Sharks with six wins, were dominant in the midfield and clean by foot from defence, with Darcy Tucker (29 possessions, eight marks), Rory O’Brien (28 possessions) and Tendai Mzungu (27 possessions) leading the way.

Key defender Matthew Uebergang, who was recently lauded by Fremantle coach Ross Lyon, showed strength and pace in defence in his most rounded display for Peel.

Returning half-back Anthony Morabito was also impressive, running with dare to break the lines and deliver the ball forward of centre.

Young midfielders Brad Walsh (21 possessions, nine marks) and Ben Hancock (18 possessions) imposed themselves at stoppages while debutant Brad McGowan kicked two important goals in an impressive performance.

Half-forward Andrew Haydon said McGowan had earned his opportunity.
“It’s really good to see Brad coming up,” he said.
“He’s been playing pretty good football in twos - he’s kicked 12 goals now - so it was really good to see him kick a few today.”

Haydon also praised captain Gerald Ugle, who has adapted well to a new role in the midfield.

“Gez is a real good leader and his been pushed up on the wing of late. I’m really liking his run up there, he’s been great,” he said.

Kicking with the wind, the Thunder conceded the first two goals of the match before McGowan goaled with his first kick in league football to bring the Thunder back to within four points.

Peel then kicked the next three goals to enter the first break with a 16-point advantage.

The second quarter continued in the same vein, with Zac Clarke - whose 39 hit-outs comfortably eclipsed the Sharks’ team total of 22 - dominating the stoppages and setting up a string of forward forays.

Forwards Michael Apeness (two goals, five marks) and Blair Bell provided a strong presence in the marking contests, helping Peel to a five-goal lead at the long break.

The momentum started to swing towards East Fremantle in the third term courtesy of ex-Carton forward Matthew Watson, who imposed himself forward of centre and capitalised on his chances.

And despite goals from Josh Deluca and McGowan, the Sharks looked to have more energy leading into the final change.

But Peel fought bravely in the last quarter before captain Gerald Ugle slotted the sealer to cement fourth place on the WAFL ladder.
Peel plays against second-placed Subiaco at Medibank Stadium on Saturday at 2.40pm.