Danger game in Swans territory

PEEL will have to overcome a determined Swan Districts at Steel Blue Oval this weekend in order to consolidate its top five credentials, in what is looming as a very tough encounter.

The Thunder will have to overcome a Swans side smarting from a shock loss to West Perth, having given up a 26-point lead in the last term to lose by seven points last week in Joondalup.

The Swans are always a tough opponent at home, and currently hold an 18-5 advantage over the Thunder at Steel Blue Oval, and the last meeting between the two sides in Bassendean illustrates that fact.

Peel suffered a heart-breaking loss to the Swans last year when Ricky Cary inspired a second-half comeback from the home side to overhaul a 28-point half-time deficit to win by 35 points.

Cary will be absent as he serves his second week of suspension, but Peel’s defence will have to be on their game to contain veteran spearhead Tim Geappen and former Fremantle forward Joel Houghton.

Peel’s forward line has been boosted by the return of Michael Apeness, but he will likely face either Tallan Ames or Justin Simpson, who were both named in the initial WAFL State Squad this week.

While Swan Districts may languish in seventh on the ladder, this clash will pose many headaches for the Thunder, with both midfields evenly matched on paper.

Preparation for both sides would have been crucial during the week, with the Swans coming off a five-day break while Peel has one more day in hand.

But having showed some fight and class over the last month, the Thunder is well-placed to extend the record-breaking winning streak to five.

The occasion will also allow both clubs to pay tribute to the late Steve Bazzo, who lost his battle with cancer last month.

Bazzo played 232 games for Swan Districts, West Perth and Peel Thunder from 1988-2000, and Swan Districts is hosting a fundraising event before the game to help support the Bazzo family.

It is anticipated that fundraising activities such as this will occur each time both clubs meet this season. The event will include an auction, with some of those items including:

-       A West Coast Eagles Indigenous Round jumper signed by Nic Naitanui

-       A Fremantle Dockers jumper signed by Hayden Ballantyne

-       The Vines Resort Swan Valley overnight stay

Cost is $25 per head, and call 9279 8700 to enquire about tickets.

FB: 42. Ethan Hughes 25. Alex Pearce 43. Thomas Vandeleur

HB: 28. Brady Grey 10. Joshua Bootsma 1. Gerald Ugle

C: 11. Joshua Mathers 44. Jacob Ballard 33. Thomas Sheridan

HF: 5. Leroy Jetta 35. Michael Apeness 24. Max Duffy

FF: 17. Brayden Lawler 40. Craig Moller 14. Lachie Weller

FOLLOWERS INTERCHANGE 56. Jonathon Griffin 3. Brendon Jones 19. Connor Blakely 2. Laine Wilkins 9. Cruize Garlett 12. Benjamin Hancock 15. Dylan Winton 18. Mitchell Gill 20. Kieran May 39. Joshua Deluca EMG:   IN: 2. Laine Wilkins, 9. Cruize Garlett, 12. Benjamin Hancock, 15. Dylan Winton, 18. Mitchell Gill, 20. Kieran May, 35. Michael Apeness, OUT: 23. Hayden Crozier, 26. Ed Langdon, 38. Jack Hannath,