ROUND 5 - LEAGUE REPORT WITH ASSISTANT COACH MARK TILBURY

Peel Thunder V East Perth
EP 21.8. 134 d PT 10.8. 68

After the bye last weekend, we travelled to Leederville for an important game v East Perth, who are in strong form.
 
Congratulations to Kalani Scarrott and Stefan Giro on their league debuts this week, and also to Tommy Sheridan, who played his 50^th game for Peel Thunder.
 
An even start to the game saw both sides apply strong pressure around the contest. Our forwards looked dangerous. Ryan Nyhuis, in a new role playing forward, was lively, kicking two first quarter goals.
 
East Perth found too much space in the second quarter, with a high number of uncontested marks placing our defence under pressure. Despite the efforts of Ben Hancock and Traye Bennell, East Perth built a good lead at half time.
 
A response was required from the team. 5 consecutive goals in the third quarter brought us back into the game, on the back of better ball movement and improved contested ball winning. However, we were unable to sustain our pressure, and East Perth were able to finish the game strongly.
 
Admirable efforts from Hancock, Bennell, Shane Kersten and Ben Howlett [11 tackles] showed good leadership. An encouraging return to football for Michael Apeness in the ruck, and 8 marks and 2.2 from Luke Strnadica was pleasing and positive looking forward.
 
The players understand the need for us to play a more consistent brand of footy, and will be determined to strike back with a strong effort versus Claremont this Saturday.

MARK TILBURY

LEAGUE ASSISTANT COACH