Peel Thunder are eyeing a return to the winners’ list as they brace for a clash with Swan Districts at Steel Blue Oval this Saturday.
The Thunder had their five-game win streak come to a halt at the hands of a merciless Subiaco Lions outfit last week, and will be keen to redeem their poor performance with a victory over a top-five side in Swans.
The talking points
1. Changes at Peel
Fremantle’s selection could greatly change Peel’s line-up this week, with a number of Dockers players in the mix for a senior recall. First-year players Luke Ryan and Brennan Cox have both served their one-game, club-imposed suspensions and could return to the Dockers’ side, while Matthew Taberner and Cam Sutcliffe have been in terrific WAFL form and are in the mix for Fremantle. The Dockers will need replacements for Michael Walters and Lee Spurr, who suffered injuries in their last game, while Peel could also wield their own axe after suffering a 46-point loss.
2. Winners are grinners. Losers, not so much…
In an unusual circumstance, these top-four towers will both head into this match coming off a loss. Peel Thunder have suffered just the two losses in their last 10 games, both to Subiaco, while Swan Districts had a bye last week but limped into it after a 40-point loss to South Fremantle. So this battle of third v fourth comes with both sides hungry to find some form with just five rounds looming before the finals. Expect some desperate and determined displays from Swans, who will be keen to knock off the reigning premiers to show they mean business.
3. Last time they met
A four-goal-to-none third quarter secured Peel a 21-point win last time these butted heads, with stirring efforts from Tom Sheridan (34 touches) and Sean Darcy (31 hit outs, four goals). Sheridan may return from a hamstring injury through Peel this week, but Darcy – who made the most difference in the round nine clash – is unlikely to don a Thunder jersey. The first-year tall has since secured himself a post as Fremantle’s number one ruckman in the absence of Aaron Sandilands. For Swans, Jesse Turner and Matt Riggio were prolific in round nine. Similar efforts will be needed if they are to overcome Peel this time around.
One to watch
Aaron Naughton – Peel Thunder
It’s rare for a backman to be the shining light in a 46-point loss, but Naughton was exactly that for Peel last week. In just his second league appearance, the key defender piled up 17 disposals, 11 marks and booted his first goal at the level. What stood out the most was his remarkable ability to take a contested mark no matter the conditions or situation. Will certainly get drafted to the AFL at the end of 2017, but before that Naughton will cause plenty headaches for WAFL forwards. Swan Districts will be wary of kicking it in his direction.
The fixture
Steel Blue Oval, Saturday, 2.15pm