A strong performance from Ed Langdon wasn’t enough to prevent Peel Thunder from defeat to South Fremantle at Rushton Park on Sunday.
Langdon finished with 25 disposals, 10 marks and 5 goals in a near best on ground display despite the loss.
Returning Fremantle teammate Clancee Pearce praised Langdon’s versatility around the ground.
“He went through a number of roles,” Pearce said.
“He didn’t just play on the wing today, he played up forward and also in a pressure role and he was able to kick some goals.”
Pearce made his return to football after several weeks out with concussion, finishing with 19 disposals in the backline.
“It’s good to be back after four weeks of not playing at all,” Pearce said.
“I thought I was okay, not great, so hopefully I can build on that in the weeks to come.”
Wait paying off for mature-age Collins
In wet conditions, Peel held pace with the Bulldogs in the first half, going into the main break trailing by just one point.
However, skill errors and some ill-discipline resulted in the Bulldogs breaking the game open in the third quarter with five goals to one, eventually kicking away to a 15.11 (101) to 10.9 (69) win.
“We had a few young Peel guys coming in along with the Fremantle guys, so we just needed to get that continuity going,” Pearce said.
“I thought our effort was really good, but ultimately it just came down to a lack of continuity.”
Other notable performances from Fremantle listed players included Tendai Mzungu playing in a half back role (29 disposals), Garrick Ibbotson in his return from a wrist injury (24 disposals, nine marks), Brady Grey (20 disposals) and Josh Deluca (15 disposals, nine tackles)
Shane Yarran also made his return to the Peel side, kicking a goal from five disposals.
Matthew Uebergang’s game ended by half time with a hamstring injury, Matt De Boer finished the game with ice on his left knee after gathering 17 disposals, whilst Grey rolled his ankle in the third quarter, but was able to play out the game.
Peel will be looking to get back on the winner’s list against Swan Districts at Bendigo Bank Stadium next Saturday.
