PEEL Thunder’s mid-season struggles continued on Saturday, going down to West Perth by 44-points in wet and windy conditions at Rushton Park.
The Thunder managed to match it with the Falcons early on, taking a 5-point lead into the first change courtesy of a goal from debutant and Thunder product Brett Milward.
However, that was where the highlights ended for Peel as Milward’s goal would be the only one the side could muster for the day.
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READ NOWRory O’Brien (30 disposals) again battled hard in midfield, while Josh Deluca had arguably one of his best games since joining the Mandurah-based outfit via the Dockers.
Anthony Morabito (12 disposals) made a low-key return to the side, as did Irishman Sean Hurley (12 disposals) while ruckman Zac Clarke mustered 59 hit-outs in a one-ided ruck contest.
Former Fremantle Docker and Peel Thunder player Max Duffy grabbed two majors for the visitors while ball magnets Aaron Black and Shane Nelson outworked an undermanned Thunder midfield.
In the end the Falcons were too good, running out 8.7 (55) to 1.5 (11) winners.
The result means Peel drops out of the top five on percentage, replaced by East Perth.
It shapes this week’s clash with East Fremantle at East Fremantle Oval as a must win for the Thunder.
The Sharks, who are equal on points with Peel but ahead on percentage, are coming off the bye and have lost their past three games.
Also on Saturday in the Reserves, Peel were downed by 31 points 8.14 (62) to 4.7 (31).
The Colts bucked the trend, claiming their fifth win of the season 11.17 (83) to 8.12 (60).
Deakin Stein did the damage for Peel, booting four goals and five points in the win, while Michael Humble had 25 touches and a goal from midfield.
Bounce down for Saturday’s League game against the Sharks is 2.15pm at East Fremantle Oval.