Peel Thunder were up to the task as they took on Claremont with 11 Fremantle-listed players at Rushton Park in Mandurah on Saturday afternoon.

Facing a potential three game losing streak, Peel prevailed over the Tigers with a 12.12 (84) to 9.8 (62) win.

Claremont got out to a hot start kicking the first three goals of the match, but a goal from Neil Erasmus (17 disposals) and Mitch Crowden (27 disposals, 2 goals) settled the team.

Liam Henry was influential throughout the match gathering 20 disposals while acting as a link between the back line and forward line. He was also able to impact the scoreboard, kicking Peel’s first of the second term.

Lloyd Meek’s (30 hitouts, 21 disposals) strong performance in the ruck allowed Peel to get on top in the second half, with Fremantle midfielders Connor Blakely, Crowden, and winger Karl Worner all finishing with 24 or more touches.

In just his second league game, Fremantle first-year Matthew Johnson (20 disposals) showed his skill while moving the ball cleanly through the middle and finding space in traffic.

Josh Treacy (six tackles) gave Peel a comfortable lead going into the final quarter, kicking the goals in the third term, while his contested marking and ability to break packs created havoc for Claremont’s defenders.

When Claremont began to threaten in the fourth, defenders Nathan Wilson and Joel Hamling stood up in defence. Hamling reduced Claremont’s chances with his intercept marking, while Wilson used his speed to move the ball out of the backline.

Sam Sturt (10 disposals, 1 goal) showed his speed while moving through the middle of the ground, while his pressure and intensity caused a few turnovers early.

Peel Thunder will take on reigning premiers Subiaco Lions at Leederville Oval on Saturday 4 June.

PEEL 2.4    4.4   10.11   12.12  (84)
SOUTH FREMANTLE 4.1   4.4   5.6   9.8   (62)

GOALS
PEEL THUNDER: B Bell 3, J Treacy 3, M Crowden 2, N Erasmus, K Worner, L Henry, S Sturt.
SOUTH FREMANTLE: J Hardisty 2, A Manuel 2, D Mountford, C England, M Spyvee, M Minear, K Gowdie.

BEST    
PEEL THUNDER: M Crowden, B Bell, J Hamling, L Meek, J Treacy
SOUTH FREMANTLE: J Lewsey, D Hardisty, S Miller, B Rogers