WAFL Round 19: Peel Thunder Overcomes South Fremantle
In a determined performance, an understrength Peel Thunder team secured a hard-fought 10-point victory over South Fremantle in Round 19 of the WAFL, maintaining their position at the top of the ladder with only two games left in the regular season.
Peel Thunder, despite being short on key players, managed to edge out South Fremantle in a match marked by high intensity and fierce competition. The Bulldogs started strongly, taking an early two-goal lead in the first quarter as they applied relentless pressure, which led to turnovers and disrupted Peel’s ability to move the ball efficiently.
The Thunder’s first breakthrough came at the 20-minute mark when Jack Delean scored from close range following a neat pickup in the goal square. Will Brodie, who was the standout performer of the game, gave Peel the lead going into the first break with a long-distance goal. Brodie, who amassed 44 disposals, one goal, and three tackles, played a crucial role throughout the match.
The second quarter saw both teams struggle to break down each other’s defenses, leading to a stalemate. Peel began to find their rhythm with shorter kicks out of defense midway through the term. Despite a free kick allowing the Bulldogs to score, Peel responded effectively. James Aish, in his debut game for Peel, intercepted a loose ball and delivered it to Cooper Simpson, who confidently converted a set shot. The Thunder’s midfielders, Brodie and Neil Erasmus (who had 35 disposals and seven tackles), began to dominate, leading to a goal by Taj Wyburd after a smart handball exchange with Brodie.
A standout moment came when Nathan Wilson, a former Fremantle player, scored a spectacular goal with a soccer-style volley, which was met with a roar of delight from him. Sebit Kuek had an opportunity to extend Peel’s lead but missed a crucial shot. Despite this, Peel managed to establish a 12-point lead at halftime, though the game remained tight.
The second half began with Liam Reidy, who had a significant impact with 19 disposals and 54 hitouts, dominating the ruck and aiding in a strong start. A combined effort with Nathan O’Driscoll led to another goal for Peel, with Luen Colton snapping through their fourth consecutive goal. The Bulldogs rallied with two goals of their own, bringing the game back into a close contest.
In the final quarter, Peel scored directly from the centre clearance with Wilson adding another goal. Shortly after, Simpson marked 35 meters out and converted, stretching the lead to a game-high 20 points. However, a turnover gave South Fremantle a chance, and they scored again, narrowing the margin to nine points and creating some tension for Peel fans. Ultimately, Wyburd secured the win with his third goal of the match.
Reflecting on the match, Simpson described it as a “grind” and a “tough contest,” expressing satisfaction with how the team managed to secure the victory despite missing key players. Peel had to adapt with a smaller forward line due to the absence of Pat Voss, Matt Taberner, Matthew Johnson, and Karl Worner, and Simpson praised the team for their efforts and adaptability.
Peel Thunder’s next fixture will be against Swan Districts at Rushton Park, their final home game of the regular season. Simpson emphasized the need to review their performance, build on their strengths, and address any weaknesses before the upcoming game.
Final Score:
– Peel Thunder: 3.2 6.4 7.8 10.11 (71)
– South Fremantle: 3.1 4.4 6.7 9.7 (61)
Goals:- peel Thunder: T. Wyburd (3), N. Wilson (2), C. Simpson (2), L. Colton, J. Delean, W. Brodie.
– South Fremantle: E. Graham (3), M. Kelly (2), I. Winder, K. Harbour, N. Strom, J. Boullineau.
Player Statistics:
– Hugh Davies: 5 kicks, 8 handballs, 13 disposals, 3 marks, 1 tackle.
– Liam Reidy: 10 kicks, 9 handballs, 19 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles, 54 hitouts.
– Jack Delean: 2 kicks, 2 handballs, 4 disposals, 1 mark, 1 goal.
– Cooper Simpson: 7 kicks, 3 handballs, 10 disposals, 4 marks, 3 tackles, 2 goals.
– Will Brodie: 8 kicks, 36 handballs, 44 disposals, 1 mark, 3 tackles, 1 goal.
– Neil Erasmus: 9 kicks, 26 handballs, 35 disposals, 2 marks, 7 tackles.
– James Aish: 15 kicks, 13 handballs, 28 disposals, 4 marks, 2 tackles.
– Odin Jones:5 kicks, 3 handballs, 8 disposals, 3 marks, 1 tackle, 2 goals.
– Ethan Hughes: 16 kicks, 4 handballs, 20 disposals, 9 marks.
– Nathan O’Driscoll: 7 kicks, 15 handballs, 22 disposals, 4 marks.
– Sebit Kuek: 6 kicks, 2 handballs, 8 disposals, 5 marks.
– Ethan Stanley: 8 kicks, 4 handballs, 12 disposals, 1 mark.
