Peel aims for more than history

Peel aims for more than history
Alex Paull

FRESH off a historical win against Claremont last week, Peel Thunder can stake its claim as a WAFL premiership contender with a win over Swan Districts on Sunday at Bendigo Bank Stadium.

It is a massive clash for both sides, with the Thunder in third position a game ahead of the fourth-placed Swans, who mounted a great comeback win over second-placed West Perth on Saturday.

The Swans welcome back a number of key players, with Kirk Ugle, David Mackay and Dylan Nelson all prominent contributors in Swan Districts’ convincing 47-point win over the Thunder in Round 7.

In that clash, the Swans were also without beanpole forward Ricky Cary, who famously booted eight goals against the Thunder last year, and experienced centre half forward Tim Geappen.

Curtailing the influence of those two forwards will mean the likes of Josh Bootsma and Tanner Smith will have their work cut out for them.

For the Thunder, forward pressure will be provided in spades by the returning Brayden Lawler, who hasn’t played since Round 11.

Lawler is a tackling machine, and will complement Leroy Jetta and Gerald Ugle nicely.

Jetta is in good form after 22 touches and a goal against Claremont pinch-hitting in the middle, and he told Sport FM on Thursday he could divide his time between midfield and forward duties.

“It was something different to free me up from getting tagged or being shut down in the forward line, to get my work rate up around the ball,” Jetta said.

“Because it worked so well, we might have another crack this week, but I’d like to think I’ll play forward and kick some more snags.”

The Thunder are stringing together some consistent football, winning four of the past games with the only hiccup being a 55-point drubbing at the hands of Subiaco in Round 15.

Jack Hannath will shoulder much of the ruckload in the absence of Zac Clarke, but the Fremantle big man showed his mobility last week against Claremont with 18 touches and two goals.

With an elusive finals berth now firming largely in the minds of the Peel players, a win could just about assure them of a spot in September.

Both sides are also coming together to celebrate the life of Peel and Swans great Steve Bazzo, so get along and commemorate the life of a great man by watching his two beloved sides do battle.

Bouncedown is at the early time of 11.40 on Sunday, so get down and support the Thunder!