Peel fall short in opening encounter

A PEEL side brimming with Fremantle talent has fallen seven points short of opening its account against West Perth at HBF Arena on Saturday.

A six-goal third quarter from the Falcons proved the difference, as the home side overcame Peel’s half-time lead to run out 13.6 (84) to 11.11 (77) winners.

The loss extended Peel’s losing streak against the Falcons to eight, although the past three losses were all single-figure margins.

Both sides started strongly in an entertaining first quarter, with West Perth’s accuracy in front of goal contrasting Peel’s inability to capitalise on opportunities to establish an early dominance.

A strong second term saw the Thunder capture a half-time lead thanks to four consecutive goals, before the Falcons responded in the second half with six unanswered goals to set up a 20-point advantage by the final change.

Danyle Pearce and 18-year-old debutant Nathan Fahey kept the Thunder in the contest with consecutive majors in the final quarter; however the Falcons managed to hold on for a tight win.

Connor Blakely showed he is ready for an AFL berth, belying his age and experience to lead the Peel midfield with 30 touches, and he was supported ably by the likes of Michael Barlow (23 disposals) and skipper Brendon Jones (21 touches).

The midfield battle was pivotal to the Falcon’s comeback in the third quarter, and Andrew Strijk (38 touches), Shane Nelson (32 possessions) and Sandover Medallist Aaron Black (30 touches) were prolific in supplying Victorian recruit Michael Lourey with opportunities, and he capitalised with four goals.

Although the Fremantle talent at the Thunder’s disposal was enviable, the emergence of Fahey and fellow debutant Brayden Lawler (13 touches, one goal) showed growing depth at Peel.

Gerald Ugle also made his first appearance as a Peel player, and he showed the class that could make him a vital acquisition this season.

The Thunder will regroup and will aim to celebrate captain Brendon Jones’ 200^th game in style when it takes on East Fremantle on Easter Saturday at Bendigo Bank Stadium.