Peel Thunder pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat South Fremantle in the WAFL Elimination Final on Sunday at Fremantle Oval.
14-AFL listed players were in action to help guide the Thunder to a 10.10 (70) to 8.13 (61) win.
The Thunder started slow out of the blocks, not able to keep up with the Bulldogs attacking pressure.
South Fremantle kept Peel goalless for the first quarter, with the away side only managing three behinds.
Peel's first goal came in the second quarter through Guy Barnes, before a Josh Treacy major saw the Thunder head into the main break just 16 points down.
Peel dominated the third term, kicking 37 points compared to the Bulldogs 14, with Fremantle’s Matt Taberner and Sam Sturt combining to kick four goals to close out the quarter.
Sturt was impressive aerially, providing a strong target overhead, finishing the game with three goals and 12 disposals to his name.
Lloyd Meek was again influential in the ruck, amassing 19 disposals and 34 hit outs, which created an intimidating contest in Peel's engine room.
Fremantle forward Liam Henry (nine disposals, five tackles) said that the determination within the team helped drive Peel to a win, giving praise to Senior Coach Geoff Valentine.
“We just needed a big in, and 'Joffa' (Valentine) just said we need to concentrate for the longest, and we did," Henry said.
"We’re lucky enough to get the win and move on to the next week."
A final goal from Fremantle’s Mitch Crowden with six minutes remaining in the final term sealed the game for the Thunder.
Fremantle’s Nathan Wilson was also vital in Peel's defence, leading his side with 26 disposals for the day.
“Willo’s run off half-back is so crucial. Not just his run but his voice and his leadership as well.” Henry said.
“He keeps on doing the basics well and communicating and bringing connection with all the younger boys."
Peel Thunder now progress to a semi final clash with Claremont in a must-win match at Revo Fitness Stadium on September 18.
PEEL THUNDER 0.3, 2.5, 8.6, 10.10 (70)
SOUTH FREMANTLE 2.6, 4.9, 6.11, 8.13 (61)
GOALS
Peel Thunder: S Sturt 3 G Barnes 2 M Taberner 2 B Bell M Crowden J Treacy
South Fremantle: D Main 4 B Ah Chee C Datson M Shaw B Schlensog
CROWD
About 3460 at Fremantle Community Bank Oval.
|
PLAYER |
G |
B |
D |
K |
H |
M |
T |
HO |
|
|
Nathan Wilson |
0 |
0 |
26 |
24 |
2 |
5 |
2 |
0 |
|
|
Mitch Crowden |
1 |
0 |
20 |
13 |
7 |
2 |
10 |
0 |
|
|
Lloyd Meek |
0 |
0 |
19 |
5 |
14 |
1 |
7 |
34 |
|
|
Ethan Hughes |
0 |
0 |
18 |
8 |
10 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
|
|
Neil Erasmus |
0 |
1 |
16 |
9 |
7 |
3 |
5 |
0 |
|
|
Connor Blakely |
0 |
0 |
14 |
8 |
6 |
3 |
6 |
0 |
|
|
Joel Hamling |
0 |
0 |
12 |
6 |
6 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Matthew Johnson |
0 |
0 |
12 |
8 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
|
|
Sam Sturt |
3 |
3 |
12 |
9 |
3 |
4 |
3 |
0 |
|
|
Karl Worner |
0 |
0 |
12 |
5 |
7 |
4 |
2 |
0 |
|
|
Matt Taberner |
2 |
2 |
10 |
6 |
4 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
|
|
Travis Colyer |
0 |
0 |
9 |
4 |
5 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
|
|
Liam Henry |
0 |
0 |
9 |
4 |
5 |
2 |
5 |
0 |
|
|
Josh Treacy |
1 |
0 |
8 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
9 |
|
