Ten Fremantle players were in action as Peel fell to Claremont by 29-points in Claremont on Saturday afternoon.

Continuing on their good run of form, Peel dominated territory in the early stages, but over-handballing and fumbling meant they were unable to challenge on the scoreboard.

Claremont, coming off a disappointing loss to West Coast’s WAFL side, absorbed the pressure and took advantage on the counter with two goals from their first few entries.

After a sensational five-goal haul last week, Pat Voss (two goals, four marks) opened Peel’s account with a terrific repeat-effort, crashing a pack then laying a tackle to win a set shot free-kick.

Goals proved hard to come by as Peel tallied five behinds, but strong rebound efforts by the defence led by Fremantle-listed duo, Hugh Davies (11 disposals) and Karl Worner (27 touches, six marks) meant the Tigers led by just 11 points at the first break.

The Thunder again started brightly without applying scoreboard pressure, while Claremont wasted chances of their own at the other end.

The home side began to take control of the game as Peel struggled to move the ball, Will Brodie (34 disposals) playing a hand in keeping his side alive with his trademark ball-winning ability.

Voss was forced to push up the ground and asserted his presence with strong contested hands, but Claremont’s territory dominance eventuated in two straight goals and a 23-point lead.

Peel needed a spark and Fremantle-listed teammates provided one, with Cooper Simpson’s (12 disposals, eight tackles) elite crumb setting up a classy running finish by Tom Emmett (13 disposals, one goal) to reduce the margin to 17 at half time.

Peel continued to be unable to chase down Claremont’s half time lead with Claremont kicking the first of the second half, stretching their lead to 22 points.

The final quarter was a story of too little too late, with the Thunder finally taking their opportunities in front of goal to kick three goals in the last.

The midfield duo of Liam Reidy (29 hit outs) and Neil Erasmus (22 disposals) gained ascendency helping give Voss his second of the day.

Ethan Hughes (17 touches, five marks) toiled hard all day, with the Thunder backline holding firm under a barrage of forward fifty entries for much of the day.

Reflecting on the loss, Cooper Simpson was full of praise for the Claremont team.

“They were really tough at the contest and outworked us all day,” Simpson said.

“We’ll go back and learn from this.”

Despite the score line, Simpson was excited about the future of Fremantle young defender Hugh Davies.

“He does this week in and week out, so for Hughy to do that and for Fremantle fans to see that, it’s really exciting times for the future,” Simpson said.

Simpson also was enjoying his move to the West.

“I’m set up in a really good spot with a really good host family,” Simpson said.

“All the boys have been awesome, they’ve really nurtured me and made feel a part of the family.”

The loss is only the Thunder’s second of the season, who in positive signs for Fremantle’s future, continue to be entrenched in the top two heading into their bye this week.

Peel return to action against Perth at Rushton Park in Mandurah on Saturday 15 June.

Peel Thunder: 1.5 2.7 2.9 5.13
Claremont: 3.4 5.6 9.10 10.12

Goals:

Peel Thunder: 2 P Voss, 1 T Emmett, T Wyburd, B Wemm
Claremont: 3 K Gowdie, 2 J Musika, 1 B Rogers, J Bolton, C England, O Sheldrick, Z Mainwaring