Weekly Review | Futures Round 2

In round 2 of the Futures program, Peel Thunder hosted Subiaco at Lane Group Stadium on Saturday 11^th March  with both teams coming off of strong performances in round 1, this game was always going to test the depth of the talent at both clubs. Peel welcomed in 2 of their South West based players and 6 developing bottom agers from the colts program to make up their 25 man team.

With the focus of the program being the development of players, some of the players were played in new positions or on identified opponents that could possibly enhance their prospects of state squad selection. The players understood their significance and were up for the challenge.    

 Peel jumped out of the blocks with first 2 goals and with both teams up for the challenge, the first quarter saw 7 goals kicked in total. A Subiaco goal on the siren saw the visitors go into the first break with an 8 point lead.

Marks inside the 50 metre arc were hard to come by for both sides and when Subiaco kicked truly from one of these marks, they had opened up a 2 goal lead. Peel controlled the remainder of quarter with their kick-mark style and with some controlled ball movement and Jett Ward’s 4^th goal on the stroke of half time, the two teams went into the break with Subiaco up by 1 straight kick.

The messaging at the break hadn’t changed and with the theme of the week being “Opportunity”, it was all about making the most of your opportunities when they come.

Peel made a few changes to their structure in the midfield and when Alex Greco goaled in the first minute, the scores were back to level. The remainder of the quarter saw the defence under repeated attacks but with their match-ups being structured, they were able repel most efforts and move the ball well back up the ground. Subiaco managed to win the quarter and extend their lead to 12 points going into the final quarter.

 With a tight tussle all day, the final quarter shaped up as a great way to end the day’s first game. Peel conceded 2 of the first 3 goals and with a 21 point deficit and 10 minutes to play, they had their backs against the wall. Drew Clarke goaled on the run and when Noah Midani moved back into the ruck after his opponent left the ground, the tide had changed. Peel got first hands on the ball and with goals to Jett Ward and Alex Greco, the lead had been cut to 1 point with 90 seconds to play. One final push forward ended up with multiple ball ups at the top of Peel’s goal square but alas the siren sounded before another score and Subiaco triumphed by the narrowest of margins in a truly captivating contest.

 It was a fantastic game and when the coaches got together at the end of the game, both were complimentary of the talent and style of play at this level.

Peel’s players of note were:

Jett Ward with 5 goals up forward and numerous score assists.

Noah Midani who competed all day at CHB on a quality opponent.

Lincoln Fairlie who defended with confidence and was willing to leave his opponent to impact.

Nicholas Clifton who provided drive out of the midfield and gave the forwards good service.

Our next game will be against West Perth at Pentanet Stadium in Joondalup at 8am on Saturday 25^th March.