WAFL watch player stats: Round 17
Peel Thunder have suffered a disappointing 31-point loss to West Perth at HBF Arena on Saturday, making their final three games of the season even more important if they want to make finals.
Despite leading at three-quarter-time the Thunder lost their lead after the Falcons kicked seven unanswered goals in the final term, finishing 16.11(107) to 11.10(76).
Fremantle forward Sam Switkowski said although they had some strong moments, injuries and pressure got the better of Peel towards the end of the game.
“We had good patches, we did a lot right but in the end we had a few men down and we just couldn’t re-stabilise things,” he said.
The match began with both teams struggling to make a breakthrough, and inaccuracy in front of goal kept the scores tight.
Switkowski said a lack of forward 50 entries made it difficult to get ahead.
"We didn’t get too many inside 50s early, and when there’s not much supply it can be really hard as a forward to find a bit of footy and then hit the scoreboard,” he said.
The second quarter saw the Thunder come out strong with three early goals and some bursts from Harley Bennell through the midfield, keeping them in the lead.
After half-time some clean ball movement from West Perth brought the margin back down again, but a stellar goal from Danyle Pearce on the run helped edge Peel back in front heading into the final term.
The fourth quarter was another story however, with the Falcons completely dominating and kicking seven goals to win by 31 points.
Switkowski said West Perth’s ball use and running ability were key parts of their victory.
“They sort of beat us on the spread all day, their strength is kick and mark, and we just sort of trailed behind,” he said.
Matt Taberner played his first game after injuring his foot three months ago and was impressive up forward with three goals.
Switkowski said having Taberner in the side definitely made their forward line stronger.
“It was good to have Taberner back this week, he’s been out for a while with injury but he just gives us good structure down in the forward line,” he said.
Mitchell Crowden (30 disposals) and Danyle Pearce (34 disposals and a goal) fought hard in the midfield all day to consistently win the contested footy.
Harley Bennell also had another promising performance with 27 disposals and two goals.
With only four rounds left in the season but only three to play due to a bye, Switkowksi said Peel still have the belief they can make finals.
“We’ve got East Perth twice and Claremont coming up for our last three (games) so we’ll probably have to win three from three but we certainly have the belief to do so,” he said.
The Thunder will take on East Perth for a crucial game next week at Rushton Park on 4 August at 2.15pm.
