ROUND 12 - THUNDER HOLD STRONG

A late goal from Luke Strnadica has helped Peel Thunder hold off a fast-finishing South Fremantle by six points on Saturday at Fremantle Community Bank Oval.  After last week’s disappointing loss against ladder leaders, Subiaco, the Thunder were looking to get their sixth win, against second place, South Fremantle.

Ben Hancock played his long awaited 50^th game and finished with an impressive two goals and 17 disposals.

Teammate Josh Mathers was impressed with Hancock’s performance.  “He went really well,” he said. “He kicked two goals, which he hasn’t done for a while.  He is a leader of our club so it’s really good for us to get the win for him.”

The Thunder started strong, kicking the first four goals of the game and went into the quarter time break with a 24 point lead.

Peel continued their hot start in the second term, kicking five goals to the Bulldogs one, extending the lead to 46 points at the main break.

The Thunder dropped off in the third allowing the Bulldogs to close the gap and bring the margin back to just 23 points heading into the last quarter.

The match went down to the wire with South Fremantle leveling the score late in the fourth before a late goal from Luke Strnadica sealed the win for the Thunder.

Mathers said "The midfield was crucial in the close win. It was mostly the midfield helping us out, when they’re on it makes it easier for us to defend. We get the weekend off so just regroup, look after the bodies and hopefully come firing out for the second half of the season. The group will use the bye to recover physically and prepare for the matchup with the Sharks.” 

Amongst a solid team effort, Josh Deluca had a stand out performance kicking two goals and amassing 22 disposals.  Brayden Lawler was also amongnst Saturday’s best, kicking two goals and racking up 10 disposals.

The Thunder have a bye this weekend before facing East Fremantle in round 14 at East Fremantle Oval 24th June.

Written by:  Nicole Salmeri

Photo:        Belinda Pike