Peel’s hot streak under threat

TRADITIONALLY, clashes between Claremont and Peel have been one-sided affairs, with the Tigers typically dominant over the Thunder with a 37-9 record.

But the Thunder will go into Sunday’s clash at Bendigo Bank Stadium as raging favourites, having won three games in a row for the first time since 2009.

And if the Thunder can prevail over the winless Tigers, it will be a new club record for successive wins.

The hallmark of the Thunder’s past two wins have been the side’s ability to hang tough and halt momentum, with the rugged brilliance of Jacob Ballard one of the shining lights this season.

Ballard had a team-high 29 disposals in last weekend’s win against East Perth, and he starred in the Thunder’s two-point win over Claremont in Round 16 last year with 33 touches.

Tendai Mzungu has been recalled to the Fremantle side; with Alex Pearce on standby, but the Thunder welcome back Max Duffy, Alex Silvagni and Hayden Crozier, as well as the skilful Laine Wilkins, into the squad of 26.

Last week the Thunder forward line functioned well despite the lack of a tall forward, and the responsibility will again fall to the likes of Leroy Jetta and Max Duffy to impose scoreboard pressure.

But Peel’s great improvement this year has come from its defence, with Josh Bootsma, Brady Grey and Pearce all exceptional this past fortnight.

The Tigers prevailed by 115 points during the pre-season, however this Thunder side have shown over the past three weeks its tenacity at the contest is one of its strong suits.

Claremont fell just short of their first win against Perth last week, and with the likes of Kepler Bradley, Tom Ledger and Ian Richardson at their disposal, the Tigers will be hungry for that maiden win of 2015.

The Thunder will no doubt be wary of a determined Claremont side, but this is a game the home side must win to again confirm its finals credentials.

Bouncedown is 2.15 this Sunday at Bendigo Bank Stadium, so get down and support the Thunder!

TEAM LIST - ROUND 6

FB: 10. Joshua Bootsma 36. Alex Silvagni 1. Gerald Ugle   HB: 11. Joshua Mathers 42. Ethan Hughes 28. Brady Grey   C: 26. Ed Langdon 19. Connor Blakely 23. Hayden Crozier   HF: 5. Leroy Jetta 24. Max Duffy 17. Brayden Lawler   FF: 39. Joshua Deluca 40. Craig Moller 14. Lachie Weller   FOLLOWERS INTERCHANGE 56. Jonathon Griffin 44. Jacob Ballard 3. Brendon Jones 2. Laine Wilkins 9. Cruize Garlett 12. Benjamin Hancock 15. Dylan Winton 16. Nathan Fahey 18. Mitchell Gill 20. Kieran May 43. Thomas Vandeleur   EMG:   IN: 2. Laine Wilkins, 15. Dylan Winton, 16. Nathan Fahey, 20. Kieran May, 23. Hayden Crozier, 24. Max Duffy, 36. Alex Silvagni, OUT: 7. Tendai Mzungu, 8. Colin Sylvia, 25. Alex Pearce,