Peel Thunder notch second finals berth with strong regular season

While the side was unable to reach the 13-win mark like it did in 2015, Peel showed both class and grit in reaching the finals in a testing season.

The side faced an especially tough task with its AFL-affiliate club, Fremantle, losing a number of players to season ending injuries.

The spate of poor health led to Fremantle requiring players that would usually suit up for the Thunder.

But Peel remained strong for the most part, and willed themselves to a top five finish.

Now, as they continue to search for an elusive first-ever finals win, we take a look back on Peel’s regular season in 2016.

There’s plenty to discuss when talking about high points for Peel this year, but the last-round win over Claremont securing the side a home final stands out.

Peel shot out of the blocks and never looked back, taking a 25-point win over an in-form side and making sure their elimination final will be filled with local support.

Their four-point win over Subiaco was clouded in controversy after being moved from Medibank to Domain Stadium, but you can’t deny the Thunder played the game with tenacity.

The round seven win over Perth was arguably the club’s most dominant win in history. Peel demolished the Demons, who went into the game threatening an upset based on form, to the tune of 77-points.

Despite what can labelled a strong regular season, Peel still tallied nine losses in 2016. The worst of which came against Swan Districts in round 14.

The Thunder went into the game heavy favourites but fell away after the first quarter and were demolished by the bottom side.

After the loss, Peel went into the bye-week looking to come back refreshed, but were thwarted by West Perth in the return game and were limited to only 11 points for the entire four quarters.

The three-week nightmare stands out as a low point for Peel in an otherwise solid season.

A number of players enjoyed breakout years in 2016. Rory O’Brien’s first season back in teal was prolific; time after time the former Sandover medalist was among Peel’s best on ground.

But a real contender for the Sandover medal this season is Matt de Boer. The Fremantle-listed midfielder only played 12 games for the Thunder but will receive best-on-ground votes in the majority of them after averaging over 30 touches.

Blair Bell played a key role in the Thunder’s forward line, finishing atop their goal tally with 17. While that number isn’t going to win a Bernie Naylor medal, Bell did everything Peel asked of him as a forward target.

The best single-game performance produced by a Thunder player this season belongs to Michael Barlow, for his dominant showing against East Perth in round 10.

Barlow tallied 44 disposals, 13 tackles and almost beat the Royals off his own boot kicking three goals, one behind to their three goals, seven behinds.

Ed Langdon challenged for the title of best single-game with 25 touches and five goals against South Fremantle, but Barlow’s was a class above.

It is also worth noting that a number of young players debuted for the Thunder this season, with many of them keeping their spot and having an impact on the team.