PEEL Thunder’s forward line woes continued over the weekend in the side’s 99-point thumping by Swan Districts.
The Thunder failed to kick a single goal in the first term and it took a simple turnover by the Swans defence at the 27-minute mark of the second to gift the Thunder their first for the match.
By half-time the Swans registered 11 majors to effectively end the match with their 11.8 (74) to 1.3 (9) lead.
It was a disappointing showing by the Thunder given they walked from Steel Blue Oval winners the last time they were at the ground.
That performance in round five seemed a distant memory as the Thunder looked a shadow of that side.
Even the return of big man Scott Lycett, Docker Tom Sheridan and 100-game milestone man Ash Thornton failed to spark the Thunder on Kamdyn McIntosh’s league debut.
McIntosh, a highly regarded defender who represented Western Australia at this year’s under 18s championships, had a solid match given the sheer volume of traffic directed his way.
Thunder’s leading goal kicker Brad Holmes looked lively for the majority of the match while half-forward Brendan Hancock was forced to come up the ground to gather a disposal, but the duo were continually outnumbered at contests as the Swans defence worked superbly.
They showed poise and skill to run the ball out of their half at every opportunity, despite the muddy ground conditions.
The match claimed its first casualty late in the first as Rhett Mason crashed to the ground clutching his right arm but by the end of the match it was the Swans who were left with no one on the bench.
Injuries to Ash Hansen, Murray Newman and Ryan Davis curtailed their run in the last, but by then the damage was done.
Caretaker coach Mark Moody will return to the drawing board in an effort to find that winning formula.
“They [Swans] didn’t allow us to do anything and we ended up chasing guernseys all day,” he said.
Ahead of this weekend’s clash with Claremont, Moody said his side could take it to the Tigers.
“It’s a big ask, but I’m confident,” he said.
“We know we can match it with them, it’s just whether or not it’s on the day.”
Bouncedown is at 2.10pm this Saturday.
