Peel Thunder booted 5 unanswered targets to overrun final yr’s preliminary finalists East Fremantle by 4 factors in a thriller down in Mandurah on Friday night time.
When Sharks ahead Luke English booted his third purpose late within the third time period they led by 27 factors and have been seemingly on their strategy to a first-round win.
Impressed by Will Brodie and Sam Sturt, the Thunder discovered one other gear within the remaining time period to chase down the Sharks and file an 11.13 (79) to 11.9 (75) victory.
Sturt had barely touched the footy for 3 quarters however kicked two targets in 90 seconds earlier than Tom Emmett gave the house aspect the lead moments later for the primary time for the reason that opening time period.
It will be a tense remaining 15 minutes, with the Thunder in a position to maintain on due to some good defensive play because the Sharks managed simply three behinds for the quarter.
The Thunder had 11 Fremantle-listed gamers of their aspect, headlined by Brodie who completed with 37 disposals, 26 of which have been contested, 15 clearances and 7 tackles.
Neil Erasmus was spectacular with two targets from 18 disposals, whereas Karl Worner gave loads of drive off half-back with 27 touches.
Josh Corbett (two targets) kicked the opener on debut for the Thunder, whereas debutant Brody Wemm (two targets) and Jack Sears appeared harmful.
The Sharks would reply by kicking six of the subsequent seven targets main into half-time, with Milan Murdock (29 disposals, 10 clearances and 9 tackles) and Kyle Baskerville (25 disposals, seven clearances and 9 tackles) beginning to win their fair proportion. of clearances.
Peel have been at instances their very own worst enemies, with sloppy expertise and turnovers of their again half costing them dearly.
The Sharks have been with out reigning Sandover medalist Blaine Boekhorst (ACL) and star ahead Jono Marsh (suspended) in addition to a first-choice ruckman.
Ahead Reuben McGuire (21 disposals and 17 hit-outs) was their major huge man within the center and whereas he could not match Peel’s Riley Smith within the ruck, he was influential across the floor within the first half.
Peel premiership hero Brayden Lawler had an awesome first half for his new membership, booting two targets for the Sharks whereas English and Eddie Simpson (two targets) have been additionally harmful.
However they seemingly ran out of legs within the remaining time period, with the more energizing Thunder holding on for a invaluable 4 factors.
SCOREBOARD
PEEL THUNDER 3.4, 4.7, 7.9, 11.13 (79)
EAST FREMANTLE 3.1, 7.4, 11.6, 11.9 (75)
Objectives – PEEL THUNDER: J Corbett 2 N Erasmus 2 S Sturt 2 B Wemm 2 T Emmett B Grey J Sears. EAST FREMANTLE: L English Three T Bennett 2 B Lawler 2 E Simpson 2 H Marsh D O’Reilly.
Finest – PEEL THUNDER: W Brodie Okay Worner N Erasmus T Bennell J Blight M Sellwood. EAST FREMANTLE: M Murdock Okay Baskerville C Eardley R McGuire L English H Marsh.
Accidents – EAST FREMANTLE: A Montauban (sickness) changed within the chosen aspect by M Williamson. PEEL THUNDER: L Reidy (belly) changed within the aspect by H Davies.
Umpires: T McPhee J Kerr B Evans. Crowd: About 3200 at Lane Group Stadium.
