MATCH REPORT: CLAREMONT Vs PEEL THUNDER – 23 APRIL 2016

Rory O’Brien has emerged as an early Sandover Medal contender with another dominant performance for Peel against Claremont at Medibank Stadium on Saturday.

The veteran midfielder continued his run of good form by racking up 35 disposals and kicking two late goals at the Thunder outlasted the Tigers to score an 11.17 (83) to 8.14 (62) victory.

Team mate Blair Bell said O’Brien had had a big effect on the younger players since re-joining the club from East Fremantle.

“The way [O’Brien] gets around the club and gets around the boys just boosts your confidence and just gets you ready to play and ready to attack,” he said.

“His fitness is a big thing as well. He just keeps going and going and he tries to drag the boys up as well.”

Bell put in a good performance in his first game of the season, gathering 16 touches and five marks. He also kicked one goal.

Bell said he was happy with his performance but knew he needed to work on his fitness after suffering a knee injury in 2012 that has hampered his efforts ever since.

 “At first it was a fair challenge coming back,” he said.

“During those first few games when you come back you’re a bit tentative and wary of it. I had a full season last year back at South Mandurah and I just got the confidence back and I have been in the gym just trying to get as strong as possible.”

Matt De Boer gathered 36 touches and laid nine tackles in front of Fremantle coach Ross Lyon, Jack Hannath dominated in the ruck with 22 hit-outs, while Tanner Smith took 12 marks and Josh Deluca kicked two goals.

Peel will look to consolidate its position in the top five when it takes on Perth at Bendigo Bank Stadium on April 30.