MANDURAH hometown hero and prized Fremantle Dockers recruit Harley Bennell put on a stellar display for Peel Thunder in their match against Subiaco last weekend.
Despite the Thunder being defeated 10.14 (74) to 12.10 (82) in an epic showdown at Bendigo Bank Stadium, Bennell collected 23 disposals and booted four goals to put his hand up for Fremantle selection before news broke on Monday that he had injured his troublesome calf.
The extent of the injury is not clear but Bennell did play out the full game even kicking an important goal late in the final term for Peel.
Peel began the match with the hot hand, countering Subiaco’s inside 50s with rebound attacks and entering their own front-half.
But the work of Peel’s defenders was undone by their forwards, who dropped a number of marks and allowed Subiaco to exit freely.
A back and forth game ensued for the majority of the first before Bennell booted two consecutive goals for the Thunder, giving them a 10-point lead at the first break.
Peel Thunder assistant coach David Hale stressed the importance of smart movement to his forwards at quarter time.
“Give yourself space, position yourself to make the defender work around you,” he said.
The advice appeared to have an immediate effect on Tanner Smith, who looked stronger after the intermission.
It was Subiaco’s Kyle Halligan who kicked the first of the quarter, nailing his second of six goals.
But Bennell gifted teammate Lachie Weller his first to set Peel back on track.
Weller booted another late in the quarter to give the Thunder a 16-point lead at the main break.
But the third quarter saw the momentum shift to the Lions, as they booted five goals to Peel’s one.
Halligan recorded three majors in the quarter while Hamish Shepheard, who finished with two goals, provided a strong presence in the forward line.
Peel’s one goal for the quarter came from Zac Clarke, who made a bid for Fremantle selection with an impressive outing, and brought the side within nine points at the final change.
The Subiaco wave came despite terrific performances from Peel defenders Alex Silvagni and Sam Collins.
Making his Peel debut, Collins grabbed 14 marks and tallied 20 disposals, halting a number of Subiaco forward entries.
The first goal of the final quarter was crucial for Peel Thunder and it was Bennell who delivered.
The speedy rover produced a sensational snap from the boundary to ignite the Peel fans.
He backed up the goal with another, bursting through a stoppage to run into an open goal and bring Peel within two points.
But an errant kick inside Subiaco’s forward 50 saw Halligan take advantage of a lucky bounce and seal the game for Subiaco.
Connor Blakely impressed mightily for Peel as he notched 25 disposals, while Matt de Boer and Clancee Pearce showed their seniority with 26 and 32 touches respectively.
Peel will return to Bendigo Bank Stadium to play East Fremantle this Saturday.
