A BIG second half saw Peel Thunder pull away from Perth to secure a 62-point win on Saturday at Bendigo Bank Stadium.
Peel led by 16 points at half time but piled on 10 goals to bottom-placed Perth’s three in the second half to win 17.16 (118) to 8.8 (56).
Peel has now climbed to third on ladder with seven wins and five losses.
The Thunder is level on wins with South Fremantle in fourth but has played one less game.
Peel were led up forward against Perth by Fremantle recruit’s Max Duffy with four goals, three behinds and Matthew Taberner four gaols, two behinds, after he was dropped from the Dockers team.
Gerald Ugle was also lively with three goals.
Tendai Mzungu responded after being omitted from the Dockers’ line-up with a 26-disposal best on ground performance.
Jacob Ballard (24 touches) and Zac Clarke (21 disposals, 36 hit-outs) were also among the best players.
Former Peel Thunder player Liam McKenna gathered 30 touches against his old side for Perth.
Peel Thunder will look to cement third position when they competition leaders Subiaco on Saturday at Medibank Stadium.
Subiaco suffered its first loss after eight consecutive wins against second-placed West Perth on the weekend, 8.7 (55) to 5.15 (45).
The last time Peel played Subiaco the side suffered its biggest loss of the season, 16.16 (112) to 7.10 (52).
Peel could do nothing to stop Shane Yarran who booted six goals, three behinds.
Brett Robinson was judge best on ground for Subiaco with 34 disposals and one goal.
Mzungu battled manfully for Peel with 28 possessions.
