Round 19 Match Preview

If last week wasn’t a must win game, then this week certainly is as we head to Bassendean to face bottom placed Swan Districts. Needing a victory and a favour from East Fremantle, it really is now or never for our boys and their finals quest.

Last Week:

After falling behind early, we never quite recovered. The opening term saw us only manage a single behind to the Bulldogs 4.2, Mason Shaw was proving to be a handful for the Peel defenders kicking 2 goals and missing a couple of other opportunities. The second term continued the downward spiral as the Dogs piled on another 4 goals, Lachy Cullen did continue his impressive start at League level by pulling one back but with the damage already done, Peel headed back to the sheds down 47 at the break. With the game virtually over at half-time, it would have been easy to roll over in the second half, however to their credit the Thunder players fought it out and won both of the final 2 quarters. Gerald Ugle had one of the all-time cameo performances before injuring his knee with all of his 3 possessions coming in the 3^rd and all of them resulted in goals. The lead however never looked in doubt with the final margin of 40 as close as Peel would get.

Ben Howlett and Jackson Merrett were handy contributors in the midfield with 22 and 20 disposals respectively both laying 11 tackles. Traye Bennell was efficient off half back with 18 disposals at 89% with 5 rebound 50’s. As for the goal kickers Ugle kicked 3 as noted above and Lachy Cullen kicked 2 continuing to show that he belongs at League level.

Last Time Against Swan Districts:

Our last time out against Swans was at Home back in Round 12 in what turned out to be a huge win as we ran out winners to the tune of 79-points. Fremantle player Mitch Crowden was massive that day, contributing with 29 disposals, 10 tackles and a goal. Jackson Merrett was also impressive with 27 disposals, 5 tackles, 6 inside 50’s and a goal. Blair Bell spearheaded the attack with 4 goals, with Brayden Lawler adding 3 of his own.

Opponents Form:

In what has been a tough season for Swan Districts with only 3 wins to show for it, they did grab a rather big scalp a fortnight ago when they took down West Coast at home, showing that they while they may be bottom of the ladder they aren’t to be taken lightly. George Hampson now playing for his 3^rd WAFL club has been one of the shining lights for Swans this season, averaging 24 disposals and a goal per game, a dangerous player when let off the chain, you would think the Thunder will put some time into him to quell his potential influence. Tony Notte is one of the better intercept defenders in the competition and Thunder entries into the forward 50 will have to find a way to avoid the 194cm veteran.

Draft hopefuls get their chance:

This week will see another young player out of our talent program get a chance at League Level. This week Tyrone Thorne, fresh off a 25 disposal 5 goal game at Colts level last week will get an opportunity to show off his exciting skillset. He joins Jarvis Pina, Lachy Cullen and Michael Randall who have all made their League Debuts over the past month, Ryan Bennell also part of the graduating talent program has been a mainstay of the League side since the start of the season. 

Other Grades:

Huge improvement by our Senior Development side this past weekend against South Fremantle, finishing the game with 19 players, they surged back from down 28 points to get within 2 late in the final quarter but just couldn’t quite get over the line. This week presents another good opportunity to pick up their second win of the season against a Swan Districts side that haven’t won since Round 13. Our Colts boys who last week confirmed their status as Minor premiers, have a tricky task ahead as they take on a Swans side still battling it out with West Perth for the final spot in the 4.

All our Womens grades will be back in action at David Grays Arena on Saturday, as we Celebrate Madi’s Day. All games are against Swan Districts, starting with Rogers Cup at 10:30am, Senior Development at 12:00pm and WAFLW at 2. We ask that all in attendance wear a touch of Pink, Purple or Teal (Madi’s favourite Colours) and we will be accepting gold coin donations on entry promoting Brain Cancer Awareness.

Game Times:

MENS:

Saturday vs Swan Districts @Steel Blue Oval

Colts - 9:00am

Senior Development - 11:30am

League – 2:15pm 

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WOMENS:

Saturday vs Swan Districts @David Grays Arena

Rogers Cup – 10:30am

Senior Development – 12:00pm

WAFLW – 2:00pm (Livestream on Facebook)