Peel Thunder look to keep form alive against Claremont Tigers | match preview

The Thunder looked good returning from a bye last week to claim a win over East Fremantle, but Claremont have been in fine touch themselves sitting on a three-game win-streak.

Both sides come into the game on strong form, and only a game separates them on the ladder, so who takes the win?​

1. A strong line-up for Peel

Peel Thunder’s ins this week make for a strong contingent, with Brad Walsh, Cam Sutcliffe, Ed Langdon and Jon Griffin all penned as inclusions for their squad of 25. Of course the team will be trimmed to 22 before game day, but Peel Thunder look likely to have a strong outfit on the park regardless of emergencies. The return of Langdon is a huge boost. The Fremantle Docker has been outstanding almost every time he’s stepped on a WAFL field for Peel, and his pressure and running capacity could be difference makers in this match.

2. Claremont’s rollercoaster season

The Tigers have seen wins and losses come in bunches this season as their form has risen, fallen and then risen again. They started the year with three consecutive victories, but then hit a slump and were pommeled with six straight losses. But now they’ve come off a bye with another three straight wins, and are back in contention for a top-five spot. Beating West Perth last week will no doubt have boosted the side’s confidence, but whether they can overcome a Peel side in form is another question.

3. Last time they met

Peel was able to come away with a win the last time the two sides met thanks for a defensive masterclass in the first half. The Thunder restricted Claremont to just 12 points in the opening two quarters and were able to run the second half out to finish with an 8.7 (55) to 12.6 (78) win. Rory O’Brien (29 disposals, one goal) and Gerald Ugle (17 disposals, four goals) were damaging for the Thunder, along with Danyle Pearce who was outstanding with 35 touches and a goal.

The ruck

Peel Thunder will welcome back Jon Griffin for a duel with Claremont’s Mitchell Andrews this week. Luke Strnadica took the majority of the ruck taps against East Fremantle last week and performed well in the absence of Griffin and Fremantle debutante Sean Darcy, but Griffin is likely to see the majority of the bounces on his return. Last time they met was an interesting battle, with Andrews notching 25 hit-outs to go against Darcy’s 25 and Griffin’s 24. Whoever gives first use of the ball to their midfielders will be doing their team a huge favour in this game.

Bendigo Bank Stadium, Saturday, 2.15pm