Thunder win to keep season alive.

Peel Thunder have defeated East Fremantle by 21-points in a thrilling contest at New Choice Homes Park to stay within reach of the top five. 

Peel kicked three goals in the last ten minutes of the game to run away winners 11.14 (80) to 9.5 (59). 

Defender Ben Hancock said it was a much-needed win after back-to-back losses.

“For us to grind out the win after losing a couple in a row was really pleasing,” he said. 

Peel used a strong breeze to their advantage with 15 inside 50s to five in the opening term, however inaccuracy was costly. 

At quarter time Thunder coach Cameron Sheppard said it was important to play smartly while kicking in to the wind and not let East Fremantle build any momentum.

The second term started positively for the Thunder, kicking the first two goals to open up a five-goal margin.

East Fremantle managed to steady and kick the next three to go in to half time with the margin at just 12 points.    

Ben Hancock said the side fell in to the bad habits they had developed over the past two weeks.

“It was just a bit of a lapse, we have had a few of them lately which can prove pretty costly,” he said. 

The third term saw Peel fail to make the most of their opportunities kicking 2.5 and struggling to cope with East Fremantle’s frantic pressure. 

A seemingly vulnerable 10-point lead heading in to the final term saw Thunder coach Cameron Sheppard deliver a rousing speech at three quarter time.

He called for his players to finish off their hard work and fight until the very end to deliver the win they deserved. 

East Fremantle managed to kick the first goal of the last quarter to bring the margin back to three points, however Peel were able to halt the momentum and kick the last three goals of the game.

The final quarter was full of highlights for the Thunder, with debutant Lachlan Cullen kicking a crucial goal and Ryan Bennell kicking a goal of the year contender to seal the victory. 

Ben Hancock said Peel’s intent in the last quarter saw them over the line.

“We had a few repeat stoppages in our forward 50 which was really good so that provides pressure for us and means we can get on the end of a few,” he said. 

Blair Bell impressed for the Thunder with three goals while Jackson Merrett collected 32 disposals to go with seven marks. 

Peel have the bye next week before facing Claremont at David Grays Arena on Saturday, August 3.