A NUMBER of key inclusions are set to bolster Peel’s chances of arresting a two-game form slump against South Fremantle at Fremantle Oval on Saturday.
After a club-record four consecutive wins, two tough losses on the trot has Peel in a fight to stay in the top five, and the Thunder face a Bulldogs outfit refreshed from the bye.
Tom Sheridan and Hayden Crozier have been added to Fremantle’s squad for Sunday’s clash against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium, but one may find himself in a Peel jumper tomorrow.
The Thunder welcome back Connor Blakely and Jonathan Griffin, which is set to bolster a midfield that was outclassed by reigning premiers Subiaco last weekend.
Another challenge looms with the Bulldogs on-ball brigade boasting the likes of Ashton Hams, Ryan Cook and Adam Carter.
Cory Dell’Olio’s reputation as a match-winner was justified in the Bulldogs’ last game, with a third quarter blitz sparking a 13-point win over East Perth. With Ben Saunders absent due to an ankle injury, curbing the former Essendon rookie is crucial.
The Dogs depth in the backline has been the catalyst for many of its wins this season, and defensive rebound from the likes of Peel product Blayne Wilson and Marlon Pickett has earned them spots in the WAFL State Squad.
For the Thunder, the improvement this year has come in the form of slick ball movement, and that has fallen apart in the past fortnight under relentless pressure.
Skipper Brendon Jones’ form has dipped in the past two weeks, and with the State Game looming, look for him to lift in the midfield.
With Blakely and Griffin back in the side, the midfield group is considerably deeper, with Lachie Weller and Jacob Ballard among the best players for Peel last week.
The frontal pressure from the likes of Brayden Lawler and Leroy Jetta has been impressive this year, while Griffin’s inclusion frees up Jack Hannath to pinch hit in the forward 50.
The recent history between these two sides has thrown up some fantastic games, including a last-gasp one-point victory to South Fremantle last season.
With heavy rain forecast, expect a tough tussle from two sides eager to consolidate their top-five credentials.
 |
| FB: |
42. Ethan Hughes |
22. Tanner Smith |
58. Sean Hurley |
|
|
 |
| HB: |
28. Brady Grey |
10. Joshua Bootsma |
11. Joshua Mathers |
|
|
 |
| C: |
14. Lachie Weller |
19. Connor Blakely |
1. Gerald Ugle |
|
|
 |
| HF: |
17. Brayden Lawler |
5. Leroy Jetta |
44. Jacob Ballard |
|
|
 |
| FF: |
26. Ed Langdon |
38. Jack Hannath |
24. Max Duffy |
|
|
 |
| FOLLOWERS |
INTERCHANGE |
56. Jonathon Griffin
7. Tendai Mzungu
3. Brendon Jones |
2. Laine Wilkins
12. Benjamin Hancock
13. Stephen Kane
16. Nathan Fahey
20. Kieran May
40. Craig Moller
43. Thomas Vandeleur |
 |
| EMG: |
|
|
| IN: |
2. Laine Wilkins, 12. Benjamin Hancock, 13. Stephen Kane, 19. Connor Blakely, 20. Kieran May, 56. Jonathon Griffin, |
|
| OUT: |
23. Hayden Crozier, 33. Thomas Sheridan, 39. Joshua Deluca, |
|
|
