WAFL Rd 10 REVIEW

WAFL

Perth and Peel Thunder clashed in a thrilling encounter at Mineral Resources Park, with the Thunder ultimately emerging victorious by 19 points. A career-best six-goal performance from Sebit Kuek helped to seal the victory for Thunder

Both teams battled hard to gain an early advantage, taking nearly 12 minutes for the first goal to be scored, with Riley Smith slotting Thunders' first goal of the game thanks to some slick soccer skills. Kuek quickly followed up with two of his own before a late goal from Perth captain Michael Sinclair closed the half out with Thunder ahead by a 9-point margin.

Thunder pushed to establish a commanding lead in the third. Goals from Kuek and Barnes expanding the advantage. However, Perth showed resilience and stayed within touching distance. A late goal from Josh Corbett managed to maintain a 20-point lead heading into the final quarter.

The last quarter began with Travis Colyer kicking his second goal of the day. Perth, however, suddenly hit their stride, mounting a comeback with three goals in just five minutes. Sebit Kuek turned the tide in favor of Peel, Displaying exceptional footwork, Kuek kept the ball alive on the boundary in the pocket, took on his defender Kane Johnston, and managed to kick a goal in the goal square while being tackled. This stunning play sparked Kuek's scoring spree, as he went on to kick three goals in the space of four minutes, extending Peel Thunder's lead from seven to 25 points.

Peel Thunder held onto their advantage in the closing stages, securing a hard-fought 13.10 (88) to 10.9 (69) victory. Alongside Kuek's remarkable six-goal performance, Travis Colyer contributed two goals and displayed his influence in the midfield, accumulating 18 possessions, eight tackles, six inside-50 entries, and five marks. Brady Grey showcased his consistent form, delivering another strong performance in the midfield with 22 possessions, eight tackles, and five marks.

RESERVES

Peel Thunder's Reserves team continued their winning streak with a resounding victory over Perth. Lachlan Cullen and Corey Tregenza-Cashell made an immediate impact, scoring two goals each in the opening minutes. Perth managed to take a slim three-point lead at quarter-time due to some inaccurate Peel kicking.

The second quarter witnessed a shift in momentum as Thunder took control. dominating possession and slotting hmoe four goals while limiting Perth to just one. Corey further demonstrated his fine form by adding another goal before half-time, extending Peel's lead to 24 points.

Perth made a spirited comeback early in the second half, leveling the score with four consecutive goals. Thunder swiftly responded, adding three quick goals to regain an 18-point advantage heading into the final quarter.

The final quarter showcased Peel Thunder's dominance, with Perth struggling to make an impact. Thunder sealed their victory by adding four more goals, securing a comfortable 36-point margin. The final score standing at 14.10 (94) to 8.10 (58).

Peel Thunder's Reserves team will now look ahead to their upcoming match against South Fremantle at Lane Group Stadium on July 1, following a bye week.

COLTS

Peel 4.7 31 def by Perth 17.12 114

Our second trip to Mineral Resources Park would see us take on the official home team, Perth for our return encounter in 2023. The game would prove tense and contested early with each side applying pressure at every opportunity. Unfortunately, it would be the Thunder who blinked first in the late stages of the first half and let the floodgates open in the second allowing the Demons to post an eleven-goal to one second half and taking a comprehensive 83-point victory.

The Good

• Q1 – Allowing only one goal in the first quarter was a credit to our pressure and ability to retain the ball in tough situations. If we can achieve this sort of football for longer periods we will be able to compete with any team in this competition.
• Denying Entries – To only allow Perth 39 inside 50’s was a testament to some of the pressure up the ground and somewhat winning the territory battle. Unfortunately, the efficiency of the Demon's attack proved too much scoring on 29 of those 39 entries.

The Bad

• Finding the Football – As the game went on we struggled to find the ball at all, posting lows in areas we value like marks and handball receives. Good teams will deny you the football and Perth did just that. A real lesson on not only winning the football but taking genuine care of it.

As we now pass the halfway point of the season we currently stand at 2-7 heading into the bye. After three tough weeks against the competition's best, we get a chance to reset and hit the final furlong of the season with renewed vigour and energy. Plenty to gain and nothing to lose, so for us it’s about making improvements and ensuring we apply them in our games.