MATCH REPORT: PEEL THUNDER VS EAST PERTH – 21 MAY 2016

Midfielder Michael Barlow gave a standout performance in unpredictable weather conditions as he led Peel to 14 point victory over East Perth on Saturday.
In the second battle of the AFL-affiliated teams this season, Barlow was dominant in his second appearance for the Thunder in 2016, kicking three goals, gathering 44 possessions and laying 13 tackles.
Team mate Calvin Thorne said he could learn from Barlow’s performance.
"I learn a lot from the other boys in terms of building my confidence, especially Barlow and Rory O'Brien," he said. "They help me to play my best."
Peel took some time to warm up in the cold, wintry conditions, with Barlow kicking the home side’s first goal late in the opening quarter.
As the rain and strong winds settled in, Peel managed to find their feet in the second term, building a seven-point lead by half-time.
A fleeting moment of sunshine allowed the home side to kick another goal during the third quarter before a storm rolled in at three-quarter time.
But the Thunder held on in the last quarter, with Brady Grey’s late goal sealing a 5.9 (39) to 3.7 (25) victory.
Thorne said the win would set Peel up for an assault on the finals.
Other standout performers included Jack Hannath, who had 19 hit-outs and kicked an important goal, Tendai Mzungu (29 possessions, eight tackles), Brady Grey (19 possessions, one goal), Rory O'Brien (20 possessions, five tackles) and Bradley Walsh (23 possessions).
Peel will now turn its attention to the match against East Fremantle at ATOM Stadium, Saturday 28 May.