A four-goal third quarter was not enough for Peel Thunder to overcome a flat second term and a powerful Subiaco outfit as they went down in their grand final rematch against the Lions on Saturday afternoon.
Subiaco upped the intensity in the second quarter with five goals and despite scoring three of their own, Peel fell to a 27-point deficit at half time.
The Thunder fought back admirably, cutting the lead to a single goal early in the fourth quarter, but Subiaco proved too much for Peel as they ran the game out 11.16 (82) to 10.7 (67) victors.
Kyal Horsley was the instigator for Subiaco in the first half, tallying 16 of his total 27 disposals and booting a goal to help the Lions flex to the early lead.
Darcy Tucker was the leader on the ball as Peel worked their way back into the game.
The Fremantle-listed sophomore finished with 30 touches and showcased his ability to keep a cool head under pressure at half back.
Matt Taberner was dominant in the air for the Thunder, grabbing a number of contestant marks and booting four goals.
But it wasn’t enough to see his side to victory as Lachlan Delahunty, Ben Sokol and Braden Fimmano played crucial roles in securing the win for the Lions.
Three Peel takeaways
1. Sam Collins is demanding a Fremantle gig
He was the best on ground in two of Peel’s three opening games and will feature in their best players again this week. Sam Collins was dominant against a Subiaco forward line packed with talent. His intercept marking was on display as he finished with five in total. The key back has surprisingly smooth skills for his size and rarely loses a contest. He’s been stiff not to get a call up for the Dockers yet in 2017 and has again thrown his resume in the face of Ross Lyon.
2. Blair Bell’s versatility is an asset
He’s predominantly known as a forward, but the South Mandurah product showed against the Lions he can gather possessions around the ground. Bell was spotted at half back and along the wing frequently on his way to 24 disposals and a goal and was crucial in starting the fire that ignited Peel’s second half flurry.
3. Rory O’Brien shows off his tagging prowess
Peel Thunder veteran Rory O’Brien chalked his 24th consecutive game of 20-or-more disposals on Saturday, but it was his ability to run with Lions captain Kyal Horsley that helped Peel claw back into contention. Horsley tore Peel apart in the first half with 16 touches, but O’Brien was able to keep him relatively quiet with just 11 in the second half. His pressure gives Peel an option if they need to shut down superstar players in the future.