A stunning seven-goal third quarter has helped Peel Thunder solidify their finals credentials with a powerful 62-point win against bottom-placed Perth at Bendigo Bank Stadium on Saturday.
The Thunder’s forward line again functioned beautifully, with the home side booting 17 goals for the third game in a row.
Max Duffy (five goals) and Matt Taberner (four goals) combined well on the scoreboard, while Tendai Mzungu gathered 27 disposals and had nine inside 50s in a best-on-ground performance.
Gerald Ugle also relished his move forward in recent weeks with three classy goals from 20 possessions, while after back-to-back four goal hauls Leroy Jetta could only manage four behinds.
It took the best part of three quarters for the Thunder to dispose of a plucky Perth outfit, with the Demons managing to rein in Peel’s ascendancy on a number of occasions before the floodgates opened in the third stanza.
The Thunder started with a bang, posting four quick goals before the Demons could even register a score, but from that point on the visitors showed plenty of fight to close to within 16 points at the main break.
Peel’s third quarter dominance was highlighted by a galloping 50m goal from Zac Clarke, who was solid with 21 touches and 36 hit-outs.
Opposed to Perth ruckman Blake Borrett, Clarke and Jonathan Griffin combined for 75 hit-outs, giving the Peel midfield first use on many occasions opposed to prolific midfielders Liam McKenna and Aidan Tropiano.
Peel’s midfield dominance was emphasised with a flurry of forward 50 entries (61-30), however the Thunder’s lack of discipline was again on show, conceding 23 free kicks.
The win propelled the Thunder into third on the ladder ahead of the crucial clash with premiership favourites Subiaco next Saturday at Medibank Stadium.
Peel Thunder 4.4 7.8 14.12 17.16 (118)
Perth 1.2 5.4 6.5 8.8 (56)
GOALS – PEEL: Duffy 5; Taberner 4; Ugle 3; Deluca, Mzungu, Vandeleur, Clarke, Duffield.
BEST – PEEL: Mzungu, Clarke, Duffy, Ugle, Taberner, Weller
