Peel overpower Sharks to equal record

Peel Thunder FC claimed a record-equalling eighth win of the season on Saturday afternoon, defeating East Fremantle by 26 points at Bendigo Bank Stadium.

The result will be even more pleasing for coach Cam Shepherd after the Thunder overcame a slow start to claim the historic win.

Efforts came from all over the ground, with the likes of Cam Sutcliffe (30 disposals), Connor Blakely (25 disposals, 8 I50’S) and Jon Griffin (31 hit-outs, 3 goals) sure to be among consideration for the Sandover votes.

Jamie McNamara and Rory O’Brien were impressive for the visitors with 31 disposals each but it wasn’t enough for the Sharks as they slumped to their seventh straight loss.

The first ten minutes of the game were somewhat of a stalemate, with both teams enjoying periods in their attacking fifties. However, it was East Fremantle who looked the most likely to boot the first major, opening with four straight points on a pristine Mandurah afternoon.

Both teams continued to defend valiantly, but East Fremantle were first to grab a major and it came through ex-Peel Thunder player, Brock O’Brien. The eighth placed Sharks were running hot when Jayden Schofield grabbed their second barely a minute later.

That seemed to stun Peel into action, and it was the combination of Leroy Jetta and Gerald Ugle that got them on the board. Jetta marked outside fifty and delivered a centimetre-perfect pass to Ugle, who lined up and made no mistake.

However, it was all East Fremantle from there, with goals from Cameron Eardley and Boston Williamson steering the Sharks into the first break with a commanding 22 point lead.

The second term started as the first ended - with an East Fremantle goal. Sean Henson did well to find space in the pocket and slotted the ball from a tight angle for the Sharks’ fifth goal of the day.

Connor Blakely was lively in midfield, as was Cameron Sutcliffe, who was making his first appearance in a Thunder jumper. After repelling East Fremantle for most of the quarter, it was Peel who were next to hit the scoreboard through Hayden Crozier. His effort was followed by Irishman Sean Hurley who cut East Fremantle’s lead to just eight points at half time.

Peel were first out of the blocks in the third term, with ruckman, Jon Griffin, taking a strong mark directly in front of goal and kicking truly.  However, the ever dangerous Brock O’Brien re-established his sides eight point lead minutes later.

The game had become a real arm wrestle, with both sides showing plenty of effort. McNamara and Rory O’Brien continued to inspire the visitors, but Peel were next to hit the board with Hurley grabbing his second of the game.

With the margin reduced to just one kick, the Bendigo Bank Stadium crowd came to life halfway through the third. Peel began to tighten the screws, led by the tackling pressure of captain, Brendon Jones.  East Fremantle were ruing their inaccurate kicking when Jack Hannath struck for Peel, tying up the scores.

Approaching the final change, the lead changed hands 3 times with Leroy Jetta putting Peel ahead for the first time in the game. Barry Barone stole the lead back for the Sharks minutes later before Griffin grabbed his second of the day to send the Thunder into the final change with a four point lead.

The final term began with a flurry of goals, the first of which went to Williamson who put his side in front from beyond the 50m arc. However Peel’s reply was instantaneous and it came through a red-hot Ugle.

From there, Peel extended their lead to 11 points through Langdon, who grabbed a goal to go with his 34 touches for the day, a performance sure to impress the coaches.

East Fremantle continued to try and battle their way back into the contest, but would be left to rue their inaccuracy. Goals to Craig Moller, Griffin and Jetta were enough to see the Thunder claim a record-equalling eighth win of the season.

Next up, Peel travel to the Showgrounds to take on Claremont, before returning to Bendigo Bank Stadium for a clash with the Swans.