Peel Thunder have moved into the top-five of the WAFL ladder with a 79-point win over Swan Districts at Rushton Park on Saturday.
The Thunder came out firing in the first half, holding the Swan Districts to just one goal and a 50-point deficit at the main break, allowing Peel to charge home with a final score of 19.11 (125) to 7.4 (46).
Following last week’s 42-point win over Perth, Fremantle defender Jason Carter said it was pleasing to have back-to-back wins.
“It was exciting, finally getting back on the winning table, the boys played their role,” he said.
“I think the pressure from the midfield was outstanding and then the backs just holding their structure really helped.”
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The Thunder took control early in the game with ruckman Lloyd Meek scoring two goals and dominating the ruck with 16 hit-outs, helping the team get ahead with a 40-point lead at quarter time.
The Thunder fought strong against the wind during the second quarter with majors from Tom North and Mitch Crowden helping stretch the lead to 50-points at half-time.
Carter said it’s great to run-out with reliable players such as Crowden every week.
“It’s definitely awesome to have someone that you know that’s going to play their role every week and is going to come out and give 100 per cent,” he said.
Hayden Ballantyne and Travis Colyer contributed to The Thunder booting another six goals in the third term, extending the lead to 78-points.
Light rains turned the final term into a scrappy affair, with the Thunder holding off a late surge from the Swan Districts.
Carter said it’s important for the team to remain focused on the task ahead after the win gave Peel a signifcant percentage boost.
“It definitely gets us up the ladder, (we need to) just keep pushing for four quarters, trying to get the most out of the boys,” he said.
“The confidence is definitely high but I think we just have to stay level-headed and focus for next week.”
Mitch Crowden was a standout for the Thunder, finishing with 29 disposals, 15 kicks and 10 tackles.
Tom North also impressed with 22 disposals, 16 kicks and nine tackles.
The Thunder will continue to fight for their spot in the finals next week against West Coast next Saturday 6 July at 12.10pm at Rushton Park.
