Resilient Peel triumph over Perth

Peel were back in winning form securing a 44-point victory over Perth on Saturday. 

Peel Thunder managed a convincing  44-point win over the Demons on Saturday afternoon. Placing the Thunder back into the top position in WAFL ladder.

After a tough loss against Claremont in round nine, Peel got off to another inaccurate start, kicking three behinds in the first four minutes of the game.

Both sides brought immense pressure from the get-go, but the Thunder’s backline held firm, with Corey Wagner (26 disposals, six inside 50’s) providing a clever spoil to prevent a goal from the Demons.

It was a slow scoring start from both teams, but Perth managed to slot the first goal of the day in the 19^th minute of the first quarter.

A goalless first term for Peel ended with them down by four points at quarter time.

Intense tackling pressure from the Demons continued to disrupt the Thunder in the second term as Perth kicked their second of the day. 

However, Will Brodie (one goal, 32 disposals, eight inside 50’s) sent a thumping kick towards inside 50 allowing Nathan Wilson to convert to goal, putting hope back in the minds of Thunder fans. 

Peel Continued to chase down the margin with Brody Wemm providing a turn of speed  and breaking the defensive line for a tap in goal.
 

Momentum was building for Peel as their aggressive ball movement saw the Thunder take control of the game and kick three unanswered goals.

Will Brodie continued to prove his AFL quality, finding space and time for a quick snap on his weak foot, giving Peel reward for their efforts and allowing them to end the half with an eleven-point lead.

Coming into the second half, Peel began to dominate in the backline, restricting Perth to only a single consolation goal late in the fourth quarter.

It was a slow scoring start for the Thunder in the third term until Blair Bell converted a heroic pack mark into a major. Bell’s goal would get the ball rolling on a six goal streak to the Thunder.

By the last quarter, Peel proved they had found their grove working cohesively in all aspects.

One final goal from Nathan Wilson brought his total to five for the day, sending Peel home with a convincing 44-point win.

Looking back on the game, defender Ethan Hughes was pleased with the win.

“It was a tough start. We lost a few contests, and they [Perth] were able to get the ball going forward,” he said.

“But we turned it around in the second quarter, started winning a few contests, executing our basics, getting the ball to our forwards and hitting the scoreboard.”

Young forward Corey Tregenza reflected on his sides attacking output.

“Nathan Wilson kicked five by himself I think”

“We came in energetic after the half, put our foot down and made the most of our opportunities”

Peel will be looking to secure another win when they take on West Perth at Pentanet Stadium on 22 June.

Peel Thunder: 0.5 5.9 7.10 12.12 (84)

Perth: 1.3 4.4 4.7 5.10 (40)

Goals:

Peel Thunder: 5 N Wilson, 1 B Bell, W Brodie, T Emmett, C Tregenza, M Taberner, S Tuia, B Wemm

Perth: 2 A Clarke, 1 T Manzone, H Quartermaine, J Chaplin