Peel Thunder withstood a third quarter fightback from South Fremantle to record their eleventh win of the season in cold and wet conditions at Fremantle Oval.
The Bulldogs rallied in the third term and got within five points of the Thunder before the visitors steadied with four late goals to record a fourth straight victory for just the second time in the club’s history.
The Thunder’s midfielders played a major role in the 14.13 (97) to 11.1 (67) victory, especially young Fremantle-listed players Connor Blakely, Jacob Ballard and Ed Langdon.
WAFL Watch Player stats: Round 20
Max Duffy produced an encouraging performance in his first game back from a calf injury, collecting 24 disposals and kicking three important goals.
Brady Grey, who gathered 24 disposals and kicked one goal, said Duffy’s inclusion helped make the Thunder’s forward line less predictable.
“He’s going really well, he obviously had the calf the last couple of weeks,” Grey said.
“It’s always good when he’s back in the side, and I think for his development he will push to play ones in the next couple of weeks, but we like him at Peel.
“Max came back into the side and Gerald Ugle kicked a few goals, so at the moment we have a pretty good mix down there.”
The Thunder now sits equal second on the ladder, behind West Perth only on percentage. Next weekend they return to Bendigo Bank Stadium to take on East Perth.
