Peel Thunder’s recent bye week came at a “good time” with players able to rejuvenate and prepare for the back end of the season, according to head coach Cam Shepherd.
Peel’s past five weeks leading into the bye had been exemplary, claiming four wins with their only loss coming in the form of a four-point heart-breaker to the ladder-leading Subiaco.
They responded to that loss by taking down the second-placed South Fremantle in another thriller.
Now, the players are refreshed and bracing for the second half of the year, which resumes when they take on East Fremantle at Shark Park this weekend.
Coach Shepherd said the playing group had enjoyed the time off but were eager to resume their campaign and take on the Sharks.
“East Fremantle have had a couple of very good weeks. They got close to Claremont and then they were very impressive beating Perth so we’re aware that they can play very good footy,” he said.
“I think the bye came at quite a good time for us and the players were able to take a break, but we’re certainly keen to get on with things and get back into footy.”
The mid-season bye also presented a chance to assess how Peel Thunder had performed in their first 11 matches.
The team currently resides in fourth spot with a 6-5 record, with a number of individuals producing solid seasons.
It’s been business as usual for 2013 Sandover medalist Rory O’Brien, who ranks 12th in the league for total disposals, despite having played one less game than many players.
The premiership player is averaging a shade above 25 disposals per game.
Forward Leroy Jetta sits fourth in the league’s goal kicking with 26 from his 10 games, a feat made more impressive by the fact that the remaining four players who make up the league’s top five have played two more games than him.
Fremantle-listed ruckman Sean Darcy has also been prolific, sitting fourth in the hit-outs column despite splitting his workload with Jon Griffin for the majority of games.
Young players Alexander Bray, Traye Bennell and Haydn Matthews have also impressed for the Thunder this season.
Peel’s game against East Fremantle bounces down on Saturday, June 24 at East Fremantle Oval, 2.15pm.