Round 15 Q&A with colts coach Brad Dodd

The Peel Thunder Colts were back in action on Saturday, taking on Perth at Lathlain Oval. After the game we spoke with Head Coach, Brad Dodd.

James Sturrock was picked to make his League debut against Perth, that must be exciting?

BD: It’s great reward for the hard work James has done. He wasn’t picked to play last year until half way through the season, missed selection in the Talent Day but had a strong start to the year and was one of the last picked in the State 18’s, where he only played 1 game. Through it all, he’s been pretty focused on improving his game. As a group, we’re pretty proud he earned the opportunity and hopefully a few more can put their hand up before the season is out.  

Perth welcomed back a host of State 18s, what changes did Peel make??

BD: We got back Tyson Powell, Jason Carter and Bradley Oldfield from the State 18’s. We also brought in Jake Willis, Clifton Stack, Kyle White and Deon Welhan. It was our youngest team for the year with 11 of our 17 year-olds playing. It was a great challenge for them coming up against a strong Perth side, who beat us comfortably earlier in the season. 

A great start for Peel kicking 5 goals to 2 to open up an early lead. How did you see the 1st Quarter?

BD: In difficult conditions, we thought we started really well. We were well on top around the ball and our forwards were looking dangerous. Perth only had 4 inside 50’s and kicked 2.1, so that was a little disappointing, but overall it was a really strong start. 

Perth closed the gap early in the 2nd Quarter before Peel kicked the last 3 goals to lead by 31 at Half Time. What was the message at the break?

BD: Perth got on top at the stoppages early in the quarter and kicked the first 2 goals. We were a little undisciplined and it allowed them back in the game. The midfield responded and were able to extend our lead. The message at the break was just reinforcing that when our attack on the ball and man was high, we were in control. 

A strong 3rd Quarter, outscoring Perth by 12 points. How did you see the Quarter??

BD: We were really happy with our 3rd Quarter. It would’ve been nice to kick a few more goals as we created enough chances to but our finishing in front of goal was a little wasteful. Heading into the last, we were down 2 on the bench so the challenge was see the game out under circumstances we haven’t faced all season. 

A good 4 Quarter effort, running out 45 point winners. What was your overall thoughts on the game??

BD: Great last Quarter, even though we only won it by 2 points. We held our 6 defenders for the whole quarter and managed to defend stoutly, as Perth had the majority of the play. As mentioned, we had our youngest team in for the year and we thought they really accepted the challenge of not just getting through, to take charge of the game and influence it. It gave us a glimpse into next year’s team. Having said that, our 18 year olds were excellent and some really stood up all day. 

Who were the better performers on the day?

BD: We thought Tyrone Thorne was excellent up forward, his pressure was again first rate but he managed to create chances and hit the scoreboard, kicking 4 goals. He was supported well by Ben Middleton, Lachlan Cullen and Jack Sears. Through the midfield, Lachlan Riley was prominent, leading our clearances as well as pushing forward and kicking 2 goals. Jason Carter had his best game for the season while Jake Howes, Jarvis Pina and Bradley Oldfield had solid games. Down back, Tyson Powell was strong while Kyle Penny did an excellent job on Ian Hill.  

Another big game next week, taking on 5th placed South Fremantle.

BD: South Fremantle will be desperate to hold onto 5th spot. We had a real arm wrestle against them last time where we only pushed away from them in the last Quarter. They’re well coached and are the best defensive unit in the competition at the moment. It’s another great challenge, but all teams are this time of year.