ROUND 8 - SENIOR DEVELOPMENT MATCH REVIEW PT V CL

The Peel Development side headed in to the Round 8 clash with Claremont full of confidence having won their previous 2 games. With both sides sitting at 3-3, this was shaping up as a key early season battle.

With Brett Milward and Michael Tassone being promoted to League for their good early season form, Peel welcomed back Michael Apeness, Noah Hura and Jacob Perry from injury, while Josh Mathers and Luke Strnadica returned from the League side.

After an early arm wrestle where the ball bounced back and forth between the half back lines, Claremont opened the scoring through Corey Mitchell. Peel responded straight away from the Centre Bounce with a goal to Matthew Piggott. From that point on it was all Claremont for the remainder of the first half, with the young Tigers giving the Thunder a lesson in work rate and gut running. Despite a more competitive effort in the 2nd half from Peel, Claremont ran out easy winners to consolidate their position in the top 5.

Better performers for Peel on the day were Brad Walsh, who worked hard through the midfield and had 35 possessions with 15 clearances. He was supported well by Michael Humble who had 32 possessions, 7 tackles and 14 clearances. Luke Strnadica was serviceable in the ruck with 15 touches and 16 hit outs to advantage while Calvin Thorne continued his good form with 19 possessions and 4 goals. Chris Wrigley provided some drive from defence while Noah Hura was serviceable returning from injury. Plenty of players were well down on their normal output.

It was a disappointing performance from the Reserves. After making a positive start to the season they’ll be looking to respond this weekend Vs Swan Districts at Bendigo Bank Stadium - Game Time 10.55am

Senior Development Coach - Brad Dodd