Peel Thunder were unable to claw back from a 20-point margin established late in the first quarter by South Fremantle, defeated 13.11 (89) to 9.9 (63) by the Bulldogs at Fremantle Oval.
The pressure was on as both teams came into Saturday's match with two wins each for the season, with a victory helping to consolidate a position in the top four.
14 Fremantle-listed players were in action for Peel across the day, with 13 players taking part in the league game while Eric Benning was in action in the reserves.
PLAYER STATS: SEE ALL THE NUMBERS
Darcy Tucker led Peel for disposals with 28, while having eight marks, five tackles and seven inside 50s, wile Fremantle players accounted for eight of Peel's nine goals through Sam Sturt (3), Josh Treacy (2), Jye Amiss (2) and Liam Henry.
Fremantle first-year Karl Worner also featured with 15 disposals, three marks and three tackles for the day.
Worner said that Senior Coach Geoff Valentine has placed an emphasis on reiterating the strengths of the team this season.
"Geoff has been really good at just reiterating what we are good at and making sure that we do bring our best each week," Worner said.
"He wants us to just keep fighting through and to make sure those four corners of footy are played.”
Peel’s defensive pressure was applied from Nathan Wilson, Joel Hamling and Ethan Hughes who remained solid all day.
“They are very reliable those guys down back, they give it everything," Worner said.
"They find their way into positions to win the one on ones and if not half the contest."
Peel had multiple inside 50s in the second and third quarters but an inability to score majors was a key factor characterised by three points quickly being rebutted by two quick goals from the Bulldogs in the third quarter.
Lloyd Meek (26 hitouts) was strong in the ruck, helping Peel to maintain a competitive position throughout the contest.
Matthew Johnson featured in his debut for Peel, to finish the day with 11 disposals in an impressive first outing.
“I thought he was very good to be honest… it’s obviously very tough to be walking straight into league football after not playing a game since last year,” Worner said.
Peel now sit fifth on the ladder and will prepare to face Claremont at Lane Group Stadium in Mandurah next Saturday at 11.40am.
PEEL 2.1 3.3 5.8 9.9 (63)
SOUTH FREMANTLE 5.3 7.6 10.7 13.11 (89)
GOALS
PEEL THUNDER: S Sturt 3, J Amiss 2, J Treacy 2, T Anderson, L Henry.
SOUTH FREMANTLE: M Shaw 3, B Ah Chee 2, J Florenca 2, J Miller 2, G Byron, R Colborne, H Free, H Schloithe.
BEST
PEEL THUNDER: D Tucker, S Sturt, T Bennell.
SOUTH FREMANTLE: M Shaw, J Florenca, T McQuilkin.
