In the first match at the Showgrounds since 2005, the Tigers were on top all day through the services of 2011 Sandover Medallist Luke Blackwell, who dominated the midfield on his way to 29 disposals, while former West Coast premiership ruckman Mark Seaby and Jack Bradshaw booted three goals each.
Peel welcomed back Fremantle cult hero Kepler Bradley to the fold for his first game in exactly a year, and the big man got through the game unscathed, kicking a goal among nine touches.
Kepler Bradley returns
Despite boasting seven teenagers in a young side, the Thunder battled manfully, with Ben Hancock and Dylan Winton again impressive in defence.
But the Thunder’s slow ball movement across half-back on the wide ground made scoring tough, failing to consistently hit targets further afield.
Their efforts were also stymied by conceding 29 free kicks, and the lack of discipline saw three players reported.
Peel coach Cam Shepherd said, while he urged the players to play hard and tough, the lack of discipline was unacceptable.
“We’ve addressed it, we need to play with aggression but keep it inside the standards we set for ourselves, and it’s something that’s ongoing,” Shepherd said.
With 11 players 20 years or younger, the Thunder boasts the youngest side in the competition.
Shepherd said the team was still developing together, and despite the club’s fifth loss for the season, he maintained that morale in the group was still high.
“There’s definitely frustration in that we always prepare to win every week, but morale is strong, and the players want to achieve,” Shepherd said.
“If you look at our performances this year, we’re certainly competitive each week and build from there so when we get one win, we can continue the momentum and string some success together.”
Former North Melbourne midfielder Cruize Garlett was promoted to the league side after a dominant performance in the Reserves last week, and the livewire was instrumental for the Thunder, gathering a game-high 30 disposals.
Garlett has battled for fitness this year, but his game highlighted his obvious talent, which pleased Shepherd.
“One of the improvements this year has been Cruize, and now that he has got himself sorted after a slow start, we’re confident he will continue to play a strong second half of the year for us.”
Anthony Morabito also played his best game for the season, his 27 touches and six inside 50s indicating how crucial his run-and-carry has been to a young Thunder side.
Shepherd said his performance was another positive step for the highly touted midfielder, and it was indicative of the confidence Morabito has regained in his body.
“There’s no doubting his ability, and now he’s gaining more confidence, we should continue to see that improvement each week.”
Craig Moller’s move to the forward line this season has paid dividends, with the dreadlocked Docker booting four goals after three last week.
Shepherd said given Moller’s reputation as a development ruckman, his success as a forward was testament to his competitive nature.
“He’s been challenged over the past couple of weeks with Griffin and Hannath in the side, and he’s been given the challenge of playing in the forward line, and to his credit he has responded really well.”
Three Dockers reported in the WAFL
Peel will be hungry for their first win when they take on Perth at Bendigo Bank Stadium next Saturday.
