ROUND 21 - WITH COACH BRAD DODD

After 2 disappointing loses that end our finals chances, the Peel development side used the bye to realign focuses and set some short term goals over the remaining 3 games. We saw the game against Perth as an opportunity to measure our progress over the back end of the season. The last time we met, Perth recorded a pretty comfortable victory, running away with the game in the last quarter. Perth were sitting in 3rd position on the ladder and building towards a finals campaign. Out of the side went Corey Morris, Luke Strnadica, Josh McMahon and Brett Milward who were all rewarded with some strong form with a promotion to the League side. It was especially pleasing to see Brett and Josh go up as they had to fight pretty hard to earn their spots and had both been building pretty strong cases over the past few weeks.

We welcomed back Josh Mathers and Leroy Jetta from long term injury. Both were on restricted time and both got through the game with flying colours- which is a positive sign for the League finals campaign going forward.

The players were met with windy conditions at Bendigo Bank Stadium and Perth had the advantage of a 3-4 goal breeze in the first quarter. The Thunder closed the game down to perfection but still managed to kick 3 goals into the breeze. The strong start was built on tackle pressure with the Peel guys laying 26 tackles for the quarter. Trailing by 1 point heading into the 2nd with the breeze, the Thunder needed to make the most of the good start. Playing a fairly direct brand of football, the Peel boys kicked 7.1 from 11 Inside 50s to take a 4 goal lead into half time. Once again, tackle pressure was strong with the Thunder laying another 24 tackles (+16 for the half).

The 3rd quarter started similar to how the first half ended, with strong pressure around the ball and Peel moving the ball inside 50 efficiently. Into the breeze, the Thunder outscored the Demons 4 goals to 2 into the breeze to open up a 33 point lead at 3/4 time. Continuing the strong tackling trend of the first half, the Thunder laid a massive 39 tackles for the quarter, with James Kirby leading the way with 7. Kicking with the breeze in the last, the challenge was to go on with the game. As has been the case when were previously in these positions, we eased off, Perth lifted and were able to close the margin- kicking a goal after the siren to reduce the margin to 14 points.

Better players for the Thunder were James Kirby, who had 6 clearances, 8 inside 50s and laid 19 tackles. James has been knocking on the door for a League debut for a few weeks now but has continued to work on and elevate his game. Jake Janzekovic, relocated to defence late in the year, has become a strong performer in the back 6 and had his best game for the year. Jackson Capurso has been improving each week down back but we spun him up onto the wing and he provided plenty of speed and dash, collecting 20 possession, 6 tackles and a goal. Brad McGowan was lively up forward kicking 3 goals in his best game since returning from illness.

Overall, it was a fairly even performance, built on a strong work rate and high tackle pressure. The Thunder laid 109 tackles, with Kirby (19), Humble (10), Burkett (10) and Madih (9) leading the way.

Our next game sees us travel to Shark Park to take on East Fremantle. The Sharks are just outside the 5 and still a chance to make finals. We’ve had some close tussles with East Fremantle this year and the Thunder will need to attack the game with the same attitude it took into the Perth game.