The Peel Thunderbirds claimed a crucial victory in the context of their season when they took a 10-point victory over Claremont on Sunday.
The Tigers used the game to open their new grandstand, but the Thunderbirds rained on their parade with a strong fourth quarter buoying them to a 5.8 (38) to 6.12 (48) win.
Celebrating Krystal Carter’s 100th game, a prolific start saw Peel jump out to an early lead at quarter time, but Claremont responded with a hearty second quarter driving them back into the contest.
The third saw Peel miss a number of opportunities in front of goal, allowing Claremont to cut the lead to a mere two points at the final break.
But Peel was able to get the jump on the Tigers in the final term, booting the first before the two sides went goal for goal.
In the end it was the Thunderbirds coming away with a victory that sees them move into third spot on the ladder.
They now share a 6-3 record with Claremont, but sit above them on percentage.
Peel coach Mark Fenton was thrilled with his side’s win.
“Losing that game would have made our chase for finals a lot tougher so we’re really pleased with how the girls responded to the challenge,” he said.
“I thought we really stepped up when we needed to in the final quarter so yes, very happy with the result.”
Kerrilee Brown was prolific across half back for the Thunderbirds, taking several intercept marks to halt Claremont’s forward entries.
Up front for Peel it was Kira Phillips and Sabreena Duffy hitting the scoreboard with two goals apiece.
The Thunderbirds return to Bendigo Bank Stadium this weekend to honour Madi Molloy, who lost her fight with brain cancer last year, with the annual Madi’s Day Cup match against Swan Districts.
“Madi was our biggest fan and we know a lot of the girls will be keen to play a really good game for the occasion,” Fenton said.
“Swan Districts are one of the top two sides in the competition so we’ll need to bring our best if we want to cause an upset.”
The stadium will sport Madi’s favourite colours of pink, purple and teal for all three games between the youth girls, reserves and league, which will be held on Sunday, June 25.