WAFLW Finals: Peel Thunder bow out with five-point loss to Swan Districts

Peel Thunder have lost their chance at a premiership trifecta after going down to Swan Districts in the quarter finals at Lane Group Stadium on Sunday.

After a low-scoring win against Subiaco in Round 17, third-seeded Thunder were looking the favourites against a fourth-placed Swan Districts.

But in a slow first quarter, Peel struggled to convert their inside 50 opportunities, with just one behind from Jaide Briggs for the quarter, while the Swans were able to put away two goals.

The second quarter started in Thunder’s favour, with two consecutive goals from Chloe Wrigley and Kira Phillips to hand Peel a brief lead before the Swans matched them with two quick goals.

A second from Phillips closed the margin to just four points at half-time.

Swan Districts got plenty of hands on the ball in the third quarter but struggled with scoring accuracy, putting up just one goal and four behinds.

Jorja Haines kicked Peel’s only goal for the quarter, with the Thunder heading into the fourth stanza eight points down.

The opposition failed to show up in the final term, leaving the door open for Peel to make a comeback but they were plagued with the same accuracy issues, recording two behinds from Ella Roberts and one from Kira Phillips.

In the end it cost them a spot in the semi-finals, with Swans winning 5.4 (34) to 4.5 (29).

Sabreena Duffy and Ella Roberts led the pack with 26 and 24 disposals, while Wrigley helped boost the scoreboard with a goal and 15 disposals.

“Obviously disappointed to bow out of the finals but very proud of the girls yesterday and over the season,” coach Steve Markham said.

“Felt at times we we controlled the game but weren’t able to convert our opportunities, whereas Swans did.

“It’s been a tough year with players being unavailable due to COVID, injuries and State duties but very proud that we were able to make our third consecutive finals series.”

Peel’s Rogers Cup side suffered a dent in their finals campaign, going down to East Fremantle by 62 points at New Choice Homes Park on Sunday.

They will get a second chance at redemption in the preliminaries against South Fremantle at Revo Fitness Stadium on June 26.