The big-bodied midfielder put his hand up for a recall to the Fremantle side with a 29-posession, three goal game, but his efforts weren’t enough for the Thunder to secure their second win of the season.
The Sharks held a slender seven-point lead at three-quarter-time, before slamming five goals to two in the final term to secure their sixth win of the season and cement a spot in the top four.
Despite the loss, the Thunder showed strong signs after a long lay-off, but the class of the experienced Sharks outfit containing three State players overran the visitors.
Having gone three weeks without a proper hit out, the Thunder started the game strongly, with Dockers star Clancee Pearce dominating with a staggering 18 disposals for the quarter, as the visitors skipped out to a 19-point-lead at quarter-time.
The Thunder had opportunities to stretch the lead in the second quarter, but the Sharks hit back with three goals to close the gap to seven at the long break.
Although the Thunder clung on to a small lead at half time, it was well on top in the midfield battle, with Morabito, Crozier and Jacob Ballard controlling proceedings in the middle.
But the Sharks dominated the second half, with skipper Mark McGough, Sandover Medallist Rory O’Brien and former Geelong rookie Cam Eardley gaining ascendancy through the centre.
Colin Sylvia bobbed up in a similar fashion to Peel’s last win with two last quarter goals, but the class of the Sharks was overwhelming, slamming on the last five goals to record a comfortable win.
The game also marked the long-awaited return of Scott Gumbleton, who showed some good signs with seven marks and a goal in his first game for Peel in almost a decade.
Peel coach Cam Shepherd said the side’s dominance in the first quarter showcased some of their best football of the season, and it was unfortunate the Thunder couldn’t maintain it for four quarters.
“It was a really good response to what we asked and for two and a half quarters, we played the better brand of football and weren’t rewarded on the scoreboard and allowed East Fremantle to kick goals on our turnovers,” Shepherd said.
But the Thunder’s strong start briefly stalled the myth that sides coming off breaks struggle to perform, however Shepherd said continuity and constant football was important.
“Those factors are what hardened players, and history says its not ideal, but while it may have has a small impact, the Sharks had two run-ons where they kicked multiple goals, so stemming that flow will come with experience,” Shepherd said.
“It comes with the side getting that synergy and trust in each other, and working through those situations which will take time, but we want it to take shorter time.”
Given the Sharks’ experience and class, Shepherd said the Thunder simply didn’t get a strong enough lead, and when pressed the home side responded.
“If you give good, experienced outfits opportunities on our mistakes, they will take advantage of it, which is what happened.”
While the loss stung the players, Shepherd said there was much cause for optimism, such as an effective forward line and a dominant midfield.
The second-placed Swan Districts loom large at Bendigo Bank Stadium next week.
