RD 11 Review | Thunder fall short in classic clash & Colts take home another WIN

IN one of the games of the season, West Perth has defeated Peel by four points in a pulsating contest at Bendigo Bank Stadium on Saturday.

The game ebbed and flowed from the opening bounce to the final siren, with the Thunder agonisingly close to securing a famous win when a late snap from Josh Deluca on goal narrowly missed.

The siren cancelled out an attempted mark from Ed Langdon 25m from goal, leaving the Thunder players desolate and the Falcons elated.

It was a cruel end to an absorbing and freewheeling encounter which saw West Perth prevail 17.9 (111) to 17.5 (107).

Matt De Boer (28 disposals, 14 tackles and a goal), Jacob Ballard (32 disposals) and Connor Blakely (34 disposals) were all influential in the middle, while Craig Moller shined in the absence of Jonathan Griffin, combining with Jack Hannath for 68 hitouts.

Leroy Jetta bounced back after a quiet game last week with four goals, while Max Duffy also booted four goals from 18 touches.

But Peel coach Cam Shepherd said the heart-breaking loss had stung the players.

“It’s pretty raw,” Shepherd said.

“Any close loss is hard to take, and there was a real hurt from the players, they were very disappointed they had lost the game.”

Peel’s performance last week against Claremont attracted heavy criticism, and Shepherd said the response from his troops was strong.

“I’m pleased [with the response] to a degree, but I would have been more pleased if we had kicked an extra goal,” Shepherd said.

“There were areas that we need to improve each week, defensively we have work to do.”

COLTS REVIEW 

After a big win against ladder leaders Claremont last week the boys found

a renewed confidence in the way they could play and when executed well

some positive results would follow. Despite last weeks win, training

remained on improved skill efficiency and a team first focus. We knew

West Perth would be determined this week to put in a strong performance

coming off 3 consecutive losses after previously sitting in the top two.

Whilst the game was not conducive to free flowing football given West

Perth¹s contested ball nature, the Thunder were able to get out to an

early lead by 8 points at quarter time. This could have been more had it

not being for some inaccuracy in front of goal. West Perth came out in

the second quarter with a greater determination to win the ball and they

also were able to release off half-back as the Peel forwards pressure

dropped.

The third quarter was a real arm wrestle and whilst ugly football, the

physical nature of the game was impressive for Colts level. West Perth

were able to gain a small advantage and close the scores to even at the

last change. The Thunder focus at three-quarter time was to really take

the game on and display a confidence to attack. After going goal for goal

early, West Perth were able to hit the front with only four minutes to

go. In previous weeks this would have been enough, however the resolve of

the team and ability to fight harder for longer came to the forefront

this week as the ball was transitioned inside forward 50 and set-shot

goal resulted in a 5 point win as the Thunder boys held out in the dying

seconds.

It was a spirited win reflective of the attitude of a team prepared to

work hard to make a difference. The rewards for effort and education are

starting to come out as we look forward to the next challenge against

East Perth this week before the bye.

The fast-paced nature of the game was enthralling for spectators, however Shepherd said the free-wheeling game style wasn’t by design.

“We went to play our style of play, but we were disappointed with how many free kicks we gave away inside West Perth’s forward 50, and in the end that has had an impact in the game, so that is an area we have to improve on.”

Craig Moller was a standout in tandem with Jack Hannath, with the dreadlocked ruckman produced one of his most productive games for the Thunder opposed to in-form ruckman Chris Keunen, with 33 hitouts and a goal.

“He’s improved, and both Jack and Craig gave our mids first use, and they are both young, developing players who showed good things today,” Shepherd said.

The first quarter was a free wheeling affair, with both sides booting six goals each to be level at the first change.

Both sides traded goals from the outset, with Josh Bootsma’s fleeting foray forward resulting in Jetta’s first inside the opening four minutes.

Rebounding after an insipid display against Claremont last week, Peel’s build-up through the midfield helped the home side open up a 24-point advantage midway through the opening term.

But the Falcons responded with two goals on the cusp of quarter time to draw level.

The visitors continued their momentum with the first two of the second quarter, before an avalanche of goals in the third term saw both sides enter the final change locked at 15.4 (94) apiece.

Brayden Lawler is one injury concern for the Thunder ahead of next week’s encounter with East Perth.

The nugget forward sustained a rib injury in the second quarter and will be monitored throughout the week.