An even performance by Fremantle-listed players was not enough to lead the Peel Thunder to victory over the ladder-leading Subiaco at Medibank Stadium on Saturday.
The Thunder had more possessions than the Lions (328-318), easily won the hit-outs 68-22 and had the same number of entries inside the forward 50m arc as their opponents, but struggled to deal with a miserly Subiaco defence in going down 15.9 (99) to 6.8 (44).
Hayden Crozier, who was omitted from the Fremantle team which defeated Collingwood last week, tried hard for the Thunder, gathering 24 possessions and laying six tackles in a performance that could win him a recall to the Fremantle line-up for the match against Hawthorn in Launceston.
Crozier said he would have to work hard to win an AFL berth and was hoping to prove he could play in a variety of roles.
“Freo is a very tough team to break into, and we are doing very well at the moment,” he said.
“The only thing I can do is come back here and try and do as best as I can, and following team setups and do whatever the coaches require of me.
“I thought I worked my way into it alright, but it’s a team sport, so we were very disappointed and hopefully we can bounce back.”
Jacob Ballard led the disposal count for the Thunder with 26, while Brady Grey laid a team-high eight tackles.
WAFL Watch player stas: Saturday 4 July
The Thunder return to Bendigo Bank Stadium next week to take on East Fremantle.