We had a result like this coming: Shepherd
Peel Thunder have underachieved in the eyes of many this season, but Saturday's 65-point demolition of Perth is a sign of what's to come in 2015, according to coach Cam Shepherd.
The Thunder were ruthless in the Lathlain Park encounter, keeping their noses in front from just after quarter-time then dominating in the final term, kicking six goals to one.
The 21.14 (140) to 12.3 (75) win was significant for several reasons.
It was the first time since 2012 Peel have kicked more than 100 points and it was their first win away from home since the same season, but more importantly it lifts them off the bottom of the ladder with four games remaining.
The Thunder fielded 16 Fremantle-listed players on Saturday, but the performances of the team's existing WAFL players played a large part in the win.
Shepherd said it had been a tough season but the club was confident the teething problems with the alignment system had largely been worked through.
"This game has probably been coming for a little while," he said.
"We're starting to build and you can see it in the rapport between the players on the field and an understanding of the way we want to play."
Perth were left counting the cost of a final quarter when they went to sleep, allowing their opponents time and space.
The Demons dropped to the bottom of the ladder and are the new favourites to claim the wooden spoon.
Caretaker coach Trevor Will- iams said the next four weeks would be about exploring the list ahead of a new coach being appointed at the end of the season.
"At the end of the day maybe it's a bit like the sow's hide and the silk purse. It's just not there to be done," he said.
"The club's got an agenda about the playing list and they really want to explore it closely in the next few weeks and just see who will take us forward and who won't and what sort of recruits are required.
"Clearly there's some work that needs to be done."
Thunder midfielder and former Demon Brendon Jones was critical in his side's win with 29 hard-fought possessions and two goals and found plenty of assistance from dropped Dockers Anthony Morabito, Jon Griffin, Matt Taberner and Colin Sylvia, who all played a major role.
Hayden Crozier, a 2011 first-round draft pick, also did his chances of a Dockers recall no harm with two goals from 30 touches, while rookie Michael Wood cashed in late to finish with five majors.
Gerald Ugle showed his class for the Demons with his 25 disposals. Matthew Moody (two goals) was a force early.
Next weekend, Perth take on Claremont at the Showground, while South Fremantle host Peel.
