Peel and Subiaco gather to wrestle for the ball.
Camera IconPeel and Subiaco gather to wrestle for the ball. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

WAFL: Thunder coach Shepherd won’t hit panic button after 92-point loss to Subiaco

Ben SmithMandurah Coastal Times

PEEL Thunder coach Cam Shepherd said he is not too worried with his side’s form despite a 92-point loss to Subiaco on the weekend.

The unbeaten Lions handed a youthful Peel its fourth loss in six games this season in the grand final rematch, but Shepherd insisted he was not going to be hitting the panic button.

The Thunder, without star midfielder Danyle Pearce, led by eight points at the first change, but were overwhelmed by Subiaco afterwards.

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Shepherd said the Lions’ experienced midfield, which included ex-AFL players Zac Clarke (31 hit-outs), Kyal Horsley (41 disposals and nine inside 50s) and Benjamin Newton (26 disposals) won the battle in the middle over Peel’s youngsters.

Ben Howlett (2) tries to swipe the ball off Leigh Kitchin.
Camera IconBen Howlett (2) tries to swipe the ball off Leigh Kitchin. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

“It was a good first quarter and that was about it, we were disappointing after that,” he said.

“Their mature midfield really got on top of ours, led by Clarke, Horsley and Newton.

“Their mature midfielders were pretty good and our boys will learn from that.”

Shepherd said this weekend’s clash with last-placed East Fremantle loomed as an important one, but was confident his side could return to the winner’s circle.

“We’re not desolate, we’re not worried, we’re playing some good footy,” he said.

“Like us, East Fremantle are travelling pretty average at the moment, so it’ll be a pretty big game.”

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