Round 16 Footy Wrap

LEAGUE

Peel Thunder 8.10 (58) lost to West Perth 12.10 (82)

West Perth really jumped us in the first quarter. Their dominance in the middle provided enormous opportunity to their forwards, and that was enjoyed especially by Tyler Keitel, who had a remarkable game in kicking 7.4 out of WPs 12.10.

We ended the quarter down 3.6 to 1.2. And we were down in all aspects.

Things got worse for our young team in the second quarter with injuries to Hill (game ending), Knight, Pina and Brock. We were really looking down the barrell. We had to change our team around, swing Acres and Cullen into the ruck, hold most of our backs and change the way we played.

Down at half time 8.8 to 3.6 we talked about whether we would relent or be relentless under extreme pressure.

By games end we had outscored WP in the second half 5.4 to 4.2. We had won the inside 50 battle, we had won the clearances and we had changed our style of play with effect. All coaches were proud of the resilience of the team and how instead of meekly capitulating had stood tall and fought strongly.

Better players on the day for Peel were Randall, Thorne, Knight, Kitchingman, Watson, Hancock and Sears. A great debut by Bodie Kitchingman.

We'd like to take this opportunity to thank Harrison Gillott who's last game day it was on the weekend. Harrison who has been our Strength and Conditioning Coach since 2017 has accepted the position of High Performance Manager at the new NBL Franchise, the Tasmanian Jack Jumpers. Everyone at Peel Thunder wishes you all the best Harrison, this is an exciting role and one we know you will excel in. 

Harrison Gillot - PTFC Strength & Conditioning Coach

RESERVES

COLTS 

An early start at Joondalup saw seventh and eighth place go head-to-head in a clash of two evenly matched sides. Would the Thunder even the Falcons win total and get closer to moving up the ladder or would West Perth extend their lead over Peel in the standings?

The match started with the visiting Thunder taking the early ascendency, kicking early scores only to give away easy ones and getting to quarter time all even. Both teams awoke in the second with scoring coming easily and accurately, with the Falcons kicking 4.0 to Peel’s 3.2 to go into half time with a narrow lead.

Peel would respond in the premiership quarter, playing some inspired football and head into the final change with an eight-point lead. Both teams looked nervous to start the last and momentum would swing with regularity in what was a free-flowing affair. The Falcons would ultimately close the game out with a six-goal to two final term and run out 15-point winners.

With a more aesthetically pleasing performance from the Thunder, here are a few that were the cream this week:

1. Scott Tuia – seems to be on this list every week. Clean with ball in hand and led the way both inside and outside, shown by his equal game high 21-possessions, five-inside 50’s and a classy boundary line goal. Standard setter.
2. Jackson Broadbent – 21-possessions, 36-hit outs and six-inside 50’s characterised a superb all-round game from the young ruckman. Plays like an extra mid and shows an appetite for the contest only few possess.
3. Cooper Osbourne – started on the wing with little impact, but a move forward proved effective being a tall target and hit the scoreboard on five occasions, kicking 2.3. Hard worker who kept West Perth defenders honest all day.
4. Mackenna Taylor – started a little fumbly but worked his way into the game with a high work rate, finishing with 18-possessions. His tackling was a highlight against the Falcons, finishing with seven strong ones.
5. Jack Ilott – acquitted himself well in defence, proving a tough competitor in one-on-one contests and showed some good ball use and rebound from defensive 50. One to keep an eye on moving forward as a solid hybrid defender.

Considering the strong effort across the board, can’t help but feel it was the one that got away for the Thunder. Another chance to improve and get a victory comes this weekend against the 6-6 South Fremantle at David Grays Arena.