Tigers run over the top of plucky Thunder

The Thunder's quest for their opening win of the year goes on after recording a 22-point loss to the Claremont Tigers at Revo Fitness Stadium on Saturday.

Looking to cause an upset in front of the Claremont crowd, the Thunder started strongly kicking 3 of the first 4 goals of the game and led by 12-points early in the first term. From then on Claremont were able to gain an ascendency especially around the stoppages, with a +17 differential for clearances at the end of the first half. The Thunder defence was resolute while under siege, allowing only 4.4 from 25 Claremont inside 50's. 

Claremont lifted their effectiveness with the ball in the second half, turning their 17 forward entries into 4.6, including the last 3-goals of the contest. Meanwhile Peel provided more supply to their forwards in the second half, with 20 inside 50's but for less reward on the scoreboard only managing 1.5 and were held to just two behinds in the final quarter as the Tigers went on to win 5.5 (35) to 8.10 (58).

Forward Brayden Lawler played his 100^th game for the Thunder and didn't disappoint as he celebrated with an early goal and played his pressure role well throughout the game, managing 11 tackles, 4 inside 50's and 3 score involvements.

“It’s a great achievement, it’s something that you’ll cherish individually at the end of your career,” Lawler said. 

Coach Cam Shepherd applauded his squad for their start, which he highlighted had cost them in the previous week’s loss to West Perth.

“It was a focus for us to get a fast start today and I think bringing pressure and tackle pressure is a part of doing that,” Lawler said. 

Utility Ben Hancock was proud of his team’s performance but admits the Tigers were too strong.

“I think that we were very good today. Obviously it’s very disappointing not to get the win especially for (Brayden) but we really put in a good three and a half quarter performance,” Hancock said.

Debutant Kudzi Motsi was among the positive signs for the Thunder, providing an energy up forward.

“We needed someone who is quick and can really put on some tackle pressure up forward so I thought he played really well for a debut, especially coming up against a quality side, so he has a bright future.” Hancock said.

Former Fremantle Docker player Hayden Ballantyne was Peel’s only multiple goal scorer while Jackson Merrett continued his strong form finishing with a team high 22-touches.

The Thunder face a Subiaco side that has had an unusually slow start to the season losing 2 of their first 3 games to fall to 1-2 for the first time since 2013.