TWENTY-NINE touches from Fremantle Dockers first-round draft choice Darcy Tucker helped Peel Thunder take down top-three side East Fremantle on the road on Saturday.
Peel put in an impressive performance from start-to-finish to claim a 7.10 (52) to 11.12 (78) win over the Sharks.
Tucker’s presence in the game was a dominant one, gaining a high amount of metres from his 22 kicks and taking an equal-team-high eight marks.
The Thunder started the game strongly with eight scoring shots to East Fremantle’s two in the opening quarter.
Their midfield was strong at stoppages which helped see them to a 28-12 lead at the first change.
The charge continued in the second term, with Peel booting three goals to the Sharks’ one.
Peel generated a strong number of inside 50s in the first half which helped them to a total of 50 across the game, 10 more than East Fremantle.
Giving the forward line opportunities was key for Peel, as Michael Apeness (two goals, two behinds) and Bradley McGowan (two goals) took their chances.
East Fremantle improved in the second half and match Peel’s three goals in the third term, keeping them within 30 points heading into the fourth.
But a colossal effort was needed for the Sharks to come within reach of the Thunder, particularly in a low-scoring match, and Peel was able to stem any momentum the Sharks tried to generate.
Both sides booted just one goal in the final term, with Peel taking a 26-point win.
Peel’s spread across the board was impressive, with all but three players finishing in double-digits for disposals.
Tucker could be in line for a Fremantle call-up after his impressive performance, as the Dockers continue to search for their first win of the season with a match against fellow cellar-dwellers Essendon on Saturday.
Rory O’Brien was also prolific in the Thunder’s win, continuing his strong season back at his home club.
He tallied 28 disposals and released teammates on a number of occasions.
Fremantle ruckman Zac Clarke dominated the hit-outs for Peel with 39, while Gerald Ugle finished with 18 touches and two goals.
Peel Thunder now faces what is arguably the most daunting challenge in the 2016 WAFL season – conquering Subiaco on the road.
The two sides met in round one of the season with the Lions taking an eight-point win.
Peel will need to find a way to improve on their valiant round one effort if they are to defeat the second-placed Lions.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
