Matthew Taberner contests a boundary throw-in.
Camera IconMatthew Taberner contests a boundary throw-in. Credit: Supplied/Supplied, Vanessa Schmitt

WAFL: Thunder crashes back to earth after 46-point loss to Subiaco

Fraser PalamaraMandurah Coastal Times

PEEL Thunder’s five-game winning streak came to an end after losing to the Subiaco Lions by 46 points at Rushton Park on Saturday.

The Thunder were caught off guard by the Lions early in the game and had a slow start for a final score of 6.4 (40) to Subiaco’s 12.14 (86).

Rory O’Brien reached the record of most Peel Thunder games played at 132 games, equalled with Brandon Hill, finishing with 24 disposals and 11 tackles.

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“O’Brien has a presence for the team that is invaluable,” Peel’s Blair Bell said.

“The way he leads at the front and at training, he sets the standard, keeps putting in week in week out; he was a big part of our premiership last year.”

Subiaco took the lead early in the first quarter, scoring four unanswered goals as the Thunder finished the term scoreless.

Coach Cam Shepherd said to the players at first quarter time that they needed to keep pushing forward.

Peel bounced back in the second quarter, scoring three goals to Subiaco’s lone goal, but was unable to obtain a lead in the third quarter, scoring only two goals to Subiaco’s two goals and three behinds.

Bell said the team was caught off guard and did not perform on its strongest skills.

“We were beaten to the ball and in the air, which is where we pride ourselves on,” he said.

Time and opportunities ran out for Peel in the final quarter, who managed to score only one goal and a behind, opposed to Subiaco’s five goals.

Aaron Naughton played in his second WAFL game and scored his first league goal.

“Naughton played well and had a presence on field,” Bell said.

“The way Naughton held his own down back saved us a heap of times and even pushed forward to kick a goal.”

Bradley Walsh had 19 disposals and kicked a point. Young player Damon Cramer scored a point and had 11 disposals.

“The team was outplayed today but will go back to the drawing board and reset for next week,” Bell said.

“We pride ourselves on the ferociousness of the contest. We were beaten to the ball; they brought more to the contest.”

Peel Thunder will take on Swan Districts away next Saturday.

Scorecard Peel Thunder 0.0 3.3 5.3 6.4 (40) Subiaco 4.4 5.7 7.10 12.14 (86)

Peel Thunder Goals: Grey, Taberner 2; Dawson, Naughton. Best: O’Brien, Taberner, Naughton, Grey, T Bennell, Griffin, Tassone. Subiaco Goals: Ryan 4; Kitchin 3; Walters 2; Stevenson, Hancock, Clark. Best: Heal, Horsley, Lockyer, Kitchin, Delahunty, Ryan, Litherland, Clark.

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