The Peel Thunderbirds picked up what coach Mark Fenton described as one of the best wins he’s had with the team when they handed East Fremantle their first loss of the season in a crucial top of the ladder clash on Sunday.
In a potential grand final preview it was the second-placed Thunderbirds moving into equal first on the WA Women’s Football League ladder after leaving East Fremantle Oval with a thrilling 4.8 (32) to 5.6 (36) win over the Sharks.
The match came down to the final minute where the Sharks, trailing by five points, put up a shot on goal in an attempt to snatch back the lead.
But it was the Thunderbirds’ day with the shot missing the mark, gifting Peel their seventh straight win on the back of four fiercely contested quarters.
It was a fitting celebration for Peel star Tayla Bresland, who celebrated her 100th game in the WAWFL by starring as one of her side’s best on ground in the victory.
Sabreena Duffy was also a force across the four quarters, while Courtney Hodder put in a stellar third quarter with the Sharks circling.
Kira Phillips (three goals) and Kate Bartlett (two) did the damage on the scoreboard.
The win all but cements a second semi final berth for the Thunderbirds, with coach Fenton saying it would do wonders for the playing group’s belief.
“We’re really stoked with the win. It shows we can match it with the best when we play at full flight,” he said.
“To watch the girls play the way they did, with that much heart across every quarter, that’s really special.”
The Thunderbirds will have the chance to jump East Fremantle on the ladder next week when they take on seventh-placed Perth Angels while the Sharks battle a tough Claremont side.
Peel takes on Perth at Lathlain Oval this coming Sunday, with the bounce scheduled for 2pm.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
