Peel Thunder dominated its match against Swan Districts on Saturday to win by 52 points.
But the margin could have been much bigger if the Thunder had kicked straighter in the 11.28 (94) to 6.6 (42) victory at Steel Blue Oval.
Twelve Fremantle-listed players lined up for Peel, including three players who played in Fremantle’s opening game against the Western Bulldogs.
Of the returning players, Tendai Mzungu was solid in racking up 25 possessions and laying six tackles, while Matt Taberner had 25 possessions, took 10 marks and kicked two goals. Jonathan Griffin had 36 hit-outs and 12 possessions.
Young Fremantle player Ethan Hughes said senior players such as Mzungu acted as teachers for the younger players.
“Players like these bring a world of knowledge on to the field,” he said.
Hughes, who was playing against his former WAFL club, had 23 possessions, as did the ever-reliable Brady Grey.
The home side put pressure on Peel in the first half, but succumbed in the third and were completely overrun in the final term.
WAFL Watch Player Stats: Saturday 2 April
Hughes said Swans had started the game with great intensity.
“We knew we had the fitness so we chipped away all day,” he said.
“The heat was a bit of a factor but we got there in the end, the consistency in the fourth quarter got us through.”
Hughes said the team’s kicking at goal had been poor.
“If we build from there and kick straight up it will put teams behind us a lot earlier on,” he said.
“Nevertheless, it’s been a great start to the season with two wins.”
Swans’ best was Adam Faulkner, whose 28 possessions and 12 marks kept the black-and-whites in the game at times.
Hughes said the victory had been an important one.
“We are all really proud of our efforts today, we’ll hopefully build on this for the rest of the year,” he said.
The Thunder’s next game is back at Bendigo Bank Stadium against East Perth on on Saturday.
PEEL THUNDER 11.28.94
SWAN DISTRICTS 6.6.42
