THE addition of 15 Fremantle Dockers was not enough for Peel Thunder to overcome West Perth’s six goal haul in the third quarter.
Although the Thunder led by 11 at half-time, the Falcons booted six goals to one after the main break and eventually ran out winners 13.6 (84) to 11.11 (77) in front of about 2000 people at HBF Arena on Saturday.
New Fremantle Dockers recruit Connor Blakely led the way for the Thunder, amassing 30 disposals, while Max Duffy and Daniel Pearce kicked two goals each.
Former Frankston forward Michael Lourey booted four goals for West Perth.
Despite the Thunder having an all-AFL midfield with Michael Barlow, Jonathan Griffin, Pearce and Blakely, the Falcon’s midfielders got most of the ball with Andrew Strijk collecting 38 disposals, Shane Nelson had 32 and last year’s Sandover Medallist Aaron Black wrapped up 30.
Jonathan Griffin dominated in the ruck with 53 hit-outs, while Michael Apeness had 24 as the Thunder had 78 hit-outs to the Falcon’s 37.
The Falcons lead at quarter-time with five consecutive goals, while Peel struggled to make the most of their opportunities, kicking three goals and four behinds. The Thunder then rallied to lead at the major break by 11 points, until the Falcons took the lead in the third quarter.
Although the Thunder made up some ground in the final term with late goals to Nathan Fahey and Pearce, it was not enough as West Perth ran out seven-point winners.
Next week, the Thunder play their first home game of the year when they meet East Fremantle at Bendigo Bank Stadium on Saturday.
In the Reserves, despite a strong start from Peel, West Perth ran away 48-point winners as they dominated the game.
West Perth led by a point at quarter time, but kicked six unanswered goals in the second term to run out 18.10 (118) to 9.6 (60).
Cruize Garlett was the best for the Thunder, racking up 43 disposals, while Reise Wilkey and Garrick McLaughlin kicked three goals each.
In the Colts, Peel was again with the West Perth at Quarter time, but the Falcons kicked 10 goals to three in the next two quarters win 15.6 (96) to 9.3 (57). Hayden Davis collected 24 disposals for the Thunder while Dylan Winton picked up 21 and Calvin Thorne kicked three goals.
