Thunderbirds power to win over South Fremantle in season opener

Souths jumped out to an early lead with a three-goal to none first quarter, but the Thunderbirds were able to make adjustments and reel them in for a 12.13 (85) to 4.6 (30) victory.

Debuting eight new players was always going to make the game a challenge for Peel, but head coach Mark Fenton said he was rapt with his side’s ability to adapt to the game.

“Bringing girls into the league side can be a big change for them – getting used to the rotations and more complicated game plan can be a bit of a challenge,” he said.

“We were pretty slow to get going. Souths got the jump on us and kicked three to our none in the first, but I was happy with how we stayed patient.

“The girls responded really well and did all the right things in the next three quarters so it was a really good win.”

The Thunderbirds found their rhythm with five goals in the second term, giving them an eight-point lead at the main break.

They put their foot down from there, keeping South Fremantle goalless in the second half and piling on seven majors for themselves.

Home grown Fremantle-listed players Kira Phillips (three goals) and Demi Okely (two goals) both hit the scoreboard for Peel, while Hannah Church finished with three of her own.

Fenton said several individuals gave encouraging performances.

“Sabreena Duffy was our second-best on ground and Courtney Hodder gave us plenty to be happy about,” he said.

“I was really happy with the job Abby Barnden did on (South Fremantle forward) Larissa Bennell as well.

“I think overall we just did the right things as a team. We switched at the right times, got the back door handball, used the ball well – it was a good game to start the year off with.”

The Thunderbirds reserves weren’t as fortunate as the league team, failing to convert their opportunities and dropping the game 1.8 (14) to 3.7 (25).

The Rogers Cup youth girls side drew with Souths as both sides scored 4.4 (28).