Drought ends for the Thunder

Peel broke through for their first win in nearly a year with a 24-point victory over South Fremantle at Bendigo Bank Stadium today.

But the win came at a cost, with Dockers midfielder Clancee Pearce failing to see out the game due to a right shoulder injury suffered during the second quarter.

Goals to Dockers players Colin Sylvia and Sam Menegola in time-on of the final quarter saw Peel hold off a late challenge from the visitors to win, 11.13 (79) to 7.13 (55).

Sylvia finished with three goals for Peel, while Hayden Crozier (27 possessions), veteran midfielder Brendon Jones (27) and Jacob Ballard (25) found plenty of the ball.

Pearce was busy early but left the field during the second term and was immediately taken down to the change rooms.

He played no further part in the contest, which Peel broke open during the third quarter.

The Thunder kicked three goals to none for the term to push the lead out to 22 points by three-quarter time.

South Fremantle had the first six scoring shots of the final quarter and closed to within a goal, but couldn’t fully capitalise on their dominance.

Matt Brown kicked a steadying goal before Sylvia and Menegola put the finishing touches on a drought-breaking win.

Peel had lost their previous 18 matches, with their previous win coming against East Perth in round 10 last season.

South Fremantle full-forward Ben Saunders kicked three goals in the first half but was one of several Bulldogs who struggled with poor kicking at goal after the main break.

The visitors kicked a combined 2.10 in the second half.

Adam Guglielmana (27 possessions), Shaun Bewick (31) and Ryan Cook (26) were the Bulldogs’ main ball winners.

Dockers youngster Brady Grey did well for Peel opposed to dangerous South Fremantle veteran Ashton Hams, kicking two goals.

Earlier in the day, Peel’s reserves broke a 21-game losing streak that dated back to April last year with an 11.14 (80) to 6.15 (51) win over South Fremantle.

The Bulldogs were victorious in the colts, 11.7 (73) to 7.8 (50).