Peel fight off plucky Swans in heart-stopper

PEEL has moved two games clear in third spot following a heart-stopping 11-point win over finals rivals Swan Districts at Bendigo Bank Stadium on Sunday.

After leading by as much as 39 points early in the second term, the Thunder had to withstand a pulsating third quarter fight back from the Swans, before steadying the ship with five goals to two in the final term for a 17.9 (111) to 1510 (100) win.

Down by 26 at half time, the Swans burst out of the blocks in the third quarter with four goals inside eight minutes, and Simpson Medallist Ryan Davis gave his side the lead after 19 minutes.

The third term comeback revived memories of their magnificent comeback against the Thunder in Round 3 last year.

In that game, the Thunder gave up a 28-point lead at half time to lose by 35 points, but the Thunder’s maturity stopped any likelihood of a repeat, with a goal from Zac Clarke tying the game at the final change.

The Swans’ eight-goal hero from last year, Ricky Cary, was instrumental in the third term with three goals, including two in the third term, while livewire Matthew Jukes booted four.

The Swans broke the game open with the first three goals of the last quarter and led by 19 points before a scintillating five-bounce running goal from Ed Langdon kept the Thunder in the contest.

Skipper Brendon Jones was instrumental in stemming the tide in the second half, and his snapped goal restored the lead late in time-on of the final term.

Jones’ leadership was the difference, with a remarkable 23 disposals in the second half (including 13 in the third term alone) on the way to a career-best 39 disposals for the game.

He was supported by Brady Grey with 33 disposals, six inside 50s and a goal, while Langdon and Connor Blakely both registered 24 touches and a goal.

In attack, Gerald Ugle was irresistible. The boom recruit bagged five goals in a career-best outing for the former Giants player, including four in the first half.

Ugle and Leroy Jetta (three goals, 23 touches) always looked dangerous when the ball went inside forward 50.

The duo have now combined for 53 goals this year, and both have been outstanding recruits for the club.

While Jetta also relished the freedom of some midfield time, it was forward of centre where Jetta won the game for the Thunder. His powerful frame enabled him to take a number of contested marks, and his two last quarter goals were pivotal.

Zac Clarke (13 touches, 36 hitouts, two goals) and Jack Hannath overpowered the undersized Nathan Blakely, giving the Peel midfield first use when it mattered most.

Ahead of the bye next week, the Thunder is in a fight with West Perth for a top-two spot, with the Falcons currently in second on percentage.