Peel Thunder triumphed over Perth at Rushton Park on Saturday, retaining third position on the league ladder and keeping their finals hopes alive.
The Thunder finished with a 21-point victory over the Demons 11.10 (76) to 8.7 (55), after being restricted to just one goal in the first quarter.
Perth kicked two majors in the opening term, giving them a five-point lead over the Thunder at the first break.
Fremantle defender Taylin Duman said skill errors proved costly for his team in the first quarter.
“Yeah, we were over handballing a bit in defence, so we just wanted to kick the ball and control it really,” he said.
“When we did that, we really opened it up and started to play some good footy.”
The second quarter saw the Thunder gain a seven-point lead over the visitors, with Harley Bennell and Tommy Sheridan both hitting the scoreboard.
In his return from a hamstring injury, Tommy Sheridan dominated in the midfield, gathering 22 disposals and two goals.
Duman said Sheridan’s experience is important to the team.
“He played really well, it was good to have an older more experienced figure in there,” he said.
“He was really good with his direction and communication to the younger boys.”
In the third term the Thunder increased their lead, with Harley Bennell kicking his second major in the opening five minutes of the quarter.
Duman said he enjoyed playing with Bennell.
“It was really good to have Harley back…the energy he brings in the rooms and out on the field is really special,” he said.
In the fourth term the Thunder kicked three unanswered goals, before Perth responded with two goals of their own.
In the end the home side was able to hold off the Demons, finishing with a 21-point victory.
Luke Strnadica performed strongly in the ruck with 51 hit-outs as well as a goal.
Duman said with finals approaching his team must stay true to their brand of football.
“I think it’s just play the way we want to play,” he said.
“(We want to) really control our ball movement and hit some form coming into finals.”
Peel Thunder face East Fremantle at East Fremantle Oval on August 19 at 2:15pm.
