Finals secured, but improvement needed

WHILE a historic finals berth is secured, Peel will be hoping for an improved performance when it meets Perth at Lathlain Park on Saturday.

Fresh off a disappointing 32-point loss to East Perth last weekend, the Thunder will be itching to rebound against a side it has beaten on the past four occasions.

And a win would further enhance its finals credentials; given East Perth’s bye this weekend leaves third spot open for the taking.

But they will have to contend with a young but competitive Demons outfit that boasts prolific midfielders like Aidan Tropiano and former Peel player Liam McKenna, who are both inside the top 10 for disposals in the competition.

Both have been shining lights in a tough season for the Demons, and both have registered 30 disposals or more twice against Peel already this year. Shutting them down could unlock the key to victory for the Thunder.

The Demons were trounced last week by premiership favourites Subiaco, but the possibility of slippery conditions on Saturday could mean the game may be a lot closer than expected.

In fact, conditions may mirror the Round 4 clash between the two sides earlier this year, which saw Peel prevail despite trailing at every change.

One of the contributing factors to Peel’s loss last weekend was the bevy of skill errors, especially coming out of defensive 50, and that is something coach Cam Shepherd would have focused on during the week.

With some of the culprits being experienced players; look for that aspect of the game to be resolved this weekend.

Ed Langdon and Zac Clarke have joined Fremantle’s squad for the Sunday game against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, but with three to be omitted there is a chance they may still line up for Peel.

Matthew Taberner and Max Duffy booted four goals each last time these two teams met, and both loom as dangerous components of an increasingly versatile forward line.

Peel should have enough class to overcome the Demons, but you can never discount the home ground advantage.

Bouncedown is at 2.15 so make the trek up the freeway a