Peel Thunder had their seventh loss of the season due to a fast finishing Swan Districts on Saturday at Blue Steel Oval.
The Thunder were in front at the second and third quarter breaks despite rainy conditions, ultimately losing by 16 points 11.7(72) to 8.8 (56).
Fremantle Defender Sam Collins said the team moved away from their successful game strategy in the fourth quarter allowing Swan Districts to steal the game away in the final term.
“We just went away from using our ball well, penetrating down the line and in the end, that cost us,” he said.
“Whilst we dominated possessions we really need to make more inside 50’s out of that.”
The Thunder showed fight early with Zac Dawson kicking their first goal of the day but would trail at quarter time by a point.
The second term saw Peel get ahead of the game establishing a lead of five points in what was a low scoring quarter.
Defender Sam Collins said coach Cam Shepherd was happy with the team’s efforts at half time.
“We were using the ball well and getting most of the inside 50’s, if anything he wanted us to penetrate a little bit more and use our tall’s down the line,” Collins said.
The third quarter saw Peel secure a 19-point lead with Josh Deluca and Danyle Pearce both scoring majors ending the quarter with a two-point lead.
Despite Peel leading in disposals, hit-outs and marks, the fourth term saw Swan Districts converting four goals and two behinds to win the game in the last quarter.
Sam Collins said the team’s defence struggled under the Swans pressure in the last term.
“The defenders weren't good enough at times and let the ball out the back and they [The Swans] were ready there,” he said.
“The defence didn't hold up and they needed to impact the ball a bit more and make sure it was getting to the front.”
Defender Sam Collins praised Jonathan Griffin for his efforts in the game as he finished up with 20 disposals and 39 hit-outs after a tight contest in the ruck.
“It is really important what Jon does for us day in and day out, it is what we expect of him,” he said.
“Seeing him come out and play four quarters was good and hopefully he can keep building on that and keep playing consistent football.”
The Thunder have a bye next week before heading back to Rushton Park to play Perth on 12 August.
Sam Collins said the team will use the bye to rest and focus on areas to put them in the best position for their finals campaign.
