A grand final rematch saw reigning premiers Peel go down to Subiaco on Saturday afternoon at Leederville Oval.
But it wasn’t all bad news for Peel supporters, who would have been impressed with the performance of Fremantle trio Darcy Tucker, Matt Tabener and Sam Collins.
Tucker had 30 possessions on his return to the WAFL, while Taberner had 17 possessions and kicked four goals from 17 disposals.
Collins was strong in defence, holding up the Lions’ forwards on several occasions.
Peel started well, but it was Subiaco who made the most of their opportunities by kicking two first-quarter goals.
It was a similar story in the second term, with Peel starting strongly but being outscored by the home side.
The Thunder pegged the margin back to seven points mid-way through the third quarter, prompting coach Cam Shepherd to urge his charges in the huddle at the final change.
His words seemed to have had the desired effect early in the final term, with the ball locked in the Thunder’s forward line.
But the visitors couldn’t make the most of the opportunities and a couple of goals to the Lions helped them to an 11.16 (82) to 10.7 (67) victory.
Fremantle ruckman Sean Darcy said the team needed to play four quarters of football if it was to win against quality opposition.
“On the lead up, we have to be on for the full game, football is a four-quarter effort, so we can’t play two quarters and expect to win,” he said.
The ruckman was also full of praise for Taberner.
“(With) Tabs, you know what you’re going to get,” he said.
“He’s just going to compete all day. That’s why he kicked four goals. He just runs and makes every contest and he was unreal.”
Leroy Jetta, Jonathon Griffin and Luke Strnadica also stood out for the Thunder, who will now look forward to a match-up with West Perth at Rushton Park on Friday.
