Peel Thunder secure home final with win over Claremont

The Thunder faced no danger of falling outside of the top five in the match, but still put forth a strong performance to cement a Bendigo Bank Stadium elimination final next week with a 6.9 (45) to 10.10 (70) win.

The result was a big turnaround from Peel’s loss to Claremont a month ago in round 19, which saw the Tigers decimate the Thunder to the tune of 45 points.

Peel coach Cam Shepherd said his side brought more physicality to the game this time around.

“Our hardness was much improved from the last time we played the Tigers,” he said.

“We upped our contested ball and defending and we were much better using the ball around the ground.”

Peel got off to a strong start in the match, piling on five first quarter goals and breaking out to a 25-point lead at the half time interval.

Claremont turned the game into an arm wrestle after the first, upping their intensity around the ball.

But it wasn’t enough to top the Thunder, as they stood firm to claim a 25-point win and assure their first final will be played in front of a home crowd.

Coach Shepherd praised the work of his team after the win, particularly that of ruck duo Jack Hannath and Zac Clarke.

The Fremantle-listed pair combined for 42 hit-outs and were damaging around for the Thunder.

“Hannath and Clarke were terrific and they gave our midfield a chance at stoppages,” Shepherd said.

“The ground players were able to reap the benefits and collect some footy.”

Rory O’Brien and Tendai Mzungu led the disposal winners with 34 each, while Josh Deluca followed with 28.

Brayden Lawler was productive in the Peel forward line, kicking two goals from his 12 possessions.

The Thunder will now prepare for their elimination against East Perth this Sunday.