Peel look to cement maiden finals berth

Peel Thunder can sew up a historic finals berth with a win over South Fremantle on Saturday afternoon at Fremantle Oval.

The Thunder was in red-hot form heading into last weekend’s bye, and they face a Bulldogs outfit that tested ladder-leaders Subiaco for three quarters last week.

A final quarter fade-out snuffed out any chance of an upset for Souths in Ashton Hams’ 150^th game, but the Bulldogs showed enough to send a strong message to the rest of the competition.

But the Bulldogs have suffered a massive injury blow with State defender Blayne Wilson out for the season with a shoulder injury, while Craig White will also miss, but the return of skipper Ryan Cook bolsters the home side’s midfield.

Peel’s forward line has been boosted by the inclusion of key forward Matt Taberner and silky half-forward Max Duffy, while Tendai Mzungu, Lachie Weller, Connor Blakely and Zac Clarke have been named in Fremantle’s extended squad ahead of Sunday’s clash against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium.

The possible absence of Zac Clarke could be telling, as Jack Hannath will shoulder the load in the ruck against unheralded duo Josh Branchi and Brock Higgins, who were impressive last week.

Peel skipper Brendon Jones returned to form against Swan Districts with a blistering 39-disposal display – including 23 in the second half alone – to drag his side over the line.

Jones, Jacob Ballard and Brady Grey will have to be accountable for an experienced Souths midfield boasting Ashton Hams, Kyle Hams, Haiden Schloithe and the returning Ryan Cook.

But Peel’s success this season can be attributed to a new-found consistency that has not only emerged from quarter-to-quarter, but across a number of weeks, and a win on Saturday will equal the club’s four-game winning streak set earlier this year.

This clash has huge ramifications for both sides’ finals aspirations. South Fremantle clings onto seventh spot but is still only percentage outside of the top five.

Peel has only won four encounters at Fremantle Oval, but that record includes a 44-point win in Round 9 this year.

With plot-points all over the ground, this is sure to be a tense contest.

Bounce down is at 2.15, so make the trek to Fremantle and support the Thunder!