ROUND 15 - POST MATCH REPORT WITH COACH BRAD DODD

Development Report V CL RD 15

After a return to the winners list, the Peel Development team looked forward to the challenge of taking on the reigning Premiers, Claremont on a wet and windy Saturday at Bendigo Bank Stadium. When the teams previously met, Claremont produced a dominant display to come away with the win convincingly. Keen to put up a more competitive display, the young Peel side started promisingly into a stiff breeze only for the Tigers to counter attack and get the first goal out the back through a lightening quick, Corey Mitchell.

Peel responded with a goal to Brett Milward, playing more through the midfield role in the conditions, before a real arm wrestle ensued, with the Thunder creating some good chances without hitting the scoreboard.

Claremont held a slight lead heading into the 2nd quarter but, despite the breeze favouring the Thunder, dominated the quarter. Some resolute defending from Dixon Wight, Josh McMahon and Matt Piggott held the Tigers out before a late goal gave the Tigers a 16 point advantage at half time. It was a similar story in the 3rd, with Lucas Humphreys converting early to get the margin back to 10 points before Claremont once again dominated field position. With the game played solely in the Claremont half, the Thunder once again held firm before 2 late goals gave the Tigers a match winning lead. Brett Milward kicked his 2nd early in the last to give Peel a sniff but the Tigers responded straight away and closed the game out to run out comfortable winners in the conditions.

Despite the loss there were some great lessons for our players. Many walked away with a clearer understanding of the type of football needed to be produced for us to become more successful. Solid performers on the day included Brett Milward, who kicked 2 goals, had 26 touches, 11 clearances and 6 tackles playing as a midfielder. While the conditions suited his bigger body, Brett has played almost solely as a key forward in his career. We’ll look to give him more exposure through the mids over the rest of the season. Jacob Perry provided his usual tackling pressure and ball winning ability, Dixon Wight defended well all day and Aaron Victor continued his good form down back. We now make the trek to Arena Joondalup to take on West Perth next Saturday. 

WRITTEN BY: SENIOR DEVELOPMENT COACH BRAD DODD