ROUND 18 - THUNDER CAUGHT OFF GUARD

Written by: Fraser Palamara

Photo: Karina Vakil

Peel Thunder’s five-game win streak has come to an end after losing to the Subiaco Lions by 46 points at Bendigo Bank Stadium on Saturday.  The Thunder were caught off guard by the Lions early game and had a slow start for a final score of 6.4 (40) to Subiaco’s 12.14 (86).

Rory O’Brien reached the record of most Peel Thunder games played at 132 games, equalled with Brandon Hill, finishing with 24 disposals and 11 tackles.

Peel’s Blair Bell said “O’Brien has a presence for the team that is invaluable.  The way he leads at the front and at training, he sets the standard, keeps putting in week in week out, he was a big part of our premiership last year.”

Subiaco took the lead early in the first quarter, scoring four unanswered goals as the Thunder finished the term scoreless.

Coach Cam Shepherd said to the players at first quarter time that they needed to keep pushing forward.  

Peel would bounce back in the second quarter scoring three goals to Subiaco’s lone goal.  The Thunder were unable to obtain a lead in the third quarter, only scoring two goals to Subiaco’s two goals and three behinds.

Bell said the team was caught off guard and didn’t perform on their strongest skills.  “We were beaten to the ball and in the air which is where we pride ourselves on,” he said.

Time and opportunities ran out for Peel in the final quarter, who only managed to score one goal and a behind, opposed to Subiaco’s five goals.

Aaron Naughton played in his second WAFL game and scored his first league goal.

Bell said “Naughton played well and had a presence on field. The way Naughton held his own down back, saved us a heap of times and even pushed forward to kick a goal.”

Bradley Walsh built up 19 disposals and a behind.  Young player Damon Cramer also scored a behind and mustered up 11 disposals.

Bell said “The team was outplayed today, but would go back to the drawing board and reset for next week.  Ball movement and tackles, we pride ourselves on the ferociousness of the contest, we were beaten to the ball, they brought more to the contest.”

Peel Thunder will travel to Steel Blue Oval this week to take on  Swan Districts Saturday 29^th of July.

***Round 19 Post Match awards will be held at Crown Perth - Groove Bar and Lounge @ 5.30pm following League game @ Steel Blue Oval***