Thunder power to first win of 2015

PEEL Thunder has broken through for its first win of the season, defeating East Fremantle by 55 points in skipper Brendon Jones’ 200^th game.

It was the first time the Thunder have beaten the Sharks since Round 16 2011, while the 15.14 (104) to 6.13 (49) win also represented the Thunder’s largest winning margin over the Sharks.

It proved to be a fitting tribute to Jones, who put in another typically tireless effort for his club with 19 possessions.

East Fremantle dominated the opening term, quickly moving out to a three-goal lead thanks to some Thunder turnovers.

The Thunder were ignited by Leroy Jetta, whose lively presence forward centre led him to open the home side’s account with a snap over the left shoulder.

Jetta’s first outing for the Thunder was a fruitful one, as he added dash and flair along with two goals, while his silky disposal was damaging.

Lachie Weller and Brayden Lawler hit the scoreboard with a major each, before a towering grab in the goal square and subsequent goal from Apeness saw the home side steal a quarter time lead.

With four bounces while swerving and dodging in and out of traffic, Weller’s goal was a particular highlight, and he is destined to be a star.

From there, the Thunder dominated proceedings, slamming on six goals in the second quarter while reducing the Sharks to five solitary behinds.

The catalyst was coach Cam Shepherd’s desire to boot the ball long to a forward line packed with tall timber, and that edict saw Matthew Taberner induce a free kick 20m out to slot his first.

Brayden Lawler was lively between the arcs, and his six inside 50s produced plenty of opportunities for his fellow forwards.

By the half time break, the margin was 40 points, however there would be no setbacks, as Jacob Ballard extended the advantage to eight goals early in the third.

An open forward line and pristine service from the midfielders saw Taberner boot his third, while the Thunder’s defensive structures continued to restrict any scoring.

The Thunder had slammed through 10 unanswered goals before Sharks finally broke the drought in the last term through Rob Young, who slotted their first goal since the 15-minute mark of the first.

However it was a blip on the radar as the Thunder added three more majors to seal a comprehensive 55-point win.

In what was a complete performance, Shepherd said he was pleased to see a response from the home side after the Sharks burst out of the blocks with three goals.

“The challenge was East Fremantle are a quality side who were in a preliminary final last year, and the players responded to the challenge, and that response was what set the standard for us,” he said.

“That’s a good performance that we tick the box with to show that’s the benchmark.”

Max Duffy and Jacob Ballard both picked up 26 disposals, with Ballard also hitting the scoreboard with a goal, while Tendai Mzungu proved his class with 25 disposals.

Taberner (four goals) and Weller (three goals and 22 touches) were pivotal, with Weller also providing a number of assists and showing class beyond his age.

Brayden Lawler was another stand out, as the 20-year-old in just his second game belied his experience with 20 possessions and six inside 50s.

Shepherd said the Carey Park product’s attack on the ball was outstanding.

“He’s got an unbelievable worth ethic, and he is fearless, and I thought he typified the effort today,” he said.
Shepherd also paid tribute to Jones in his 200^th game.

“He’s been a wonderful footballer for a long period of time. I’m not sure if the boys got up for him but the response today was fantastic and I’m glad he can celebrate the milestone with a win.”

Peel will look to continue the strong effort when they tackle Perth at Brownes Stadium for Jones’ 100^th game for the club.