Lions out of reach for a gutsy Peel

Reigning Premiers Subiaco came to Mandurah on Saturday seeking only their second win in the shortened season. Despite a tight opening half, Subi showed their class in securing a 37-point win at David Grays Arena.

Despite remaining winless for the 2020 season, the Thunder had a renewed sense of hunger after last week's much improved game against Claremont. Subiaco were looking to get back on-track, coming off a 50-point loss to the Bulldogs last week and without veteran Angus Litherland the newest addition to a mounting injury list.  

A wasteful first quarter in front of goals, which saw Subiaco kick 1.8 from 16 Inside 50's to Peel’s 2 behinds from only 4 entries. Josh Bootsma was outstanding keeping the Thunder in the game in the opening period, managing 3 spoils and 5 rebound 50's. 

Peel brought the pressure in the second with 17 second quarter tackles, as they hung tough with Kudzi Motsi kicking his first League major in the second quarter as the side managed to only go in trailing by 18 points at the long break. 

Subiaco lifted their effectiveness in the second half, with Leigh Kitchin (28 disposals and 8 inside 50’s) using the ball well to create opportunities for the forward line with 4 score involvements, while Max Walters had 12 disposals in the third alone and had 5 score involvements and kicked a goal himself as the Lions took complete control to lead by 39 at the final change.

Ben Newton and Nic Martin were quite the presense down forward, kicking 5 goals between them for the match, while Sandover Medallist, Lachaln Delahunty highlighted his importance around the stoppages with 40 hit-outs and 14 contested possessions to go with 7 score involvements as the Lions held firm in the last to continue the run of 5 consecutive victories against the Thunder since the 2017 Grand Final defeat.

Blair Bell was strong and the most effective player afield for the Thunder in his new midfield role, with 18 disposals (12 Contested, 7 Marks, 4 Tackles, 3 Rebound 50's, 3 Score Involvements and a goal)

Captain Ben Howlett and newest centurion Brayden Lawler once again led the side on the defensive side of the ball once again managing to both his double digit tackle numbers with 15 and 13 respectively.

Jackson Merrett keeps finding the footy on the outside, with a team high of 23 disposals, to go along with 3 Inside-50's and 3 Score Involvements.

After receiving a reprimand from the match review panel last week, Hayden Ballantyne was lively up forward with 2 goals, but his performance wasn't without controversy as he cost the side a couple of 50m penalties which saw him recieve some ire from coach Cam Shepherd.

There was much to celebrate amongst Peel’s young side, with their first goal of the match secured by last week's debutant Kudzi Motsi, his first League goal.

In the final quarter Coach Cam Shepherd moved first year player Jack Sears from defence to the forward line, which paid an immediate dividend as he also kicked his first goal in League football. 

Sears said it was really exciting to see the pre-season work of the younger players like Motsi paying off on the field, both securing their first League goals during the game.  

“Shep mentioned on his (Kudzi Motsi) debut that he was unlikely a year ago to have this opportunity, he’s taken both hands over these first few games, played really well getting the pressure on the forward which has helped our forward lines,” he said. 

Isaac Clinch and Lewis Upton made their league debuts for Subiaco, with Upton kicking his first goal in the last quarter. 

Another big chance for the Thunder this week as they go up against the other winless side in the comp, as Peel Thunder go up against the Swan Districts at Steel Blue Oval next Saturday from 2:30pm. 

LEAGUE FINAL

PEEL BEST: Bell, McGowan, Merrett, Howlett, Bootsma.

PEEL GOALS: Ballantyne 2; Bell, Sears, Motsi 1