Prolific performances from some of Peel Thunder’s leaders helped the side snap a four-game losing streak and return to the top five with a victory over Claremont on Saturday.
Rory O’Brien, Gerald Ugle and Leroy Jetta were all pivotal in Peel securing an 8.7 (55) to 12.6 (78) win over the Tigers, along with defenders Sam Collins and Griffin Logue.
Peel set the tone early with stout defence allowing the side to convert to offence.
The duo of Collins and Logue holding down the fort in the backline allowed Claremont just three points in the first quarter and a mere 12 points across the first half.
Up the other end, captain Ugle was on fire for Peel as he finished the day with a stunning four goals straight to go with 17 touches, while Jetta bagged three goals from his 12.
O’Brien picked up 29 disposals and also chimed in with a goal, while Fremanlte-listed player Danyle Pearce played his first game in Peel colours in style finishing with 35 touches and a goal.
Peel coach Cam Shepherd was impressed with his side’s ability to gain an edge in key areas of the match.
“I think we played a really honest brand of footy all day and were able to win some of the statistical areas we hadn’t been winning over the past month,” he said.
“We won the inside 50 count and our tackling was solid so those are all pleasing factors.
“We worked hard and players like Gerald and Leroy were able to capitalise on that in front of the goals.”
Shepherd heaped praise on the defending duo of Logue and Collins, labelling their games as outstanding performances.
“Griffin (Logue) came back from a stint with Freo and really gave us something extra in defence,” he said.
“Sam (Collins) is just a really good person to have around the team and he’s been outstanding for us this season. We really hope he gets a good opportunity at the top level soon.
“Danyle Pearce also came in and was able to provide us with a spark despite not having played football for some time.”
The win rockets Peel back into the top five on percentage, sharing an equal record with the Tigers.
The Thunder will look to keep the ball rolling when they take on Swan Districts at Bendigo Bank Stadium on Saturday, May 13.
Did you notice?
1. That Peel Thunder now sits with a percentage of exactly 100 per cent with 483 points scored both for and against them after the first seven games.
2. That former Thunder player Anthony Morabito played his first league game for Claremont against Peel on the weekend, leading his side in disposals with 25.
3. That Peel was able to find avenues to goal despite missing their second-best scorer, Matt Taberner, who starred for Fremantle at the top level.