Round 1 – East Perth v Peel Thunder Match ReportSunday, March 19, 2017 - 8:40 AM - by Chris Pike

PEEL Thunder managed five unanswered goals in the third quarter at Leederville Oval on Saturday night to ensure they started their WAFL premiership defence with a 17-point win over East Perth.

There was plenty of intrigue over the Saturday night fixture at Leederville Oval to open the 2017 season with it also broadcast live on 7mate.

With the combination of the teams being aligned to AFL clubs Fremantle and West Coast respectively ahead of Round 1 next week, there was plenty of players trying to impress.

Both were also desperate to win to start their season with some momentum. There was some feeling out there too considering East Perth eliminated Peel from the finals in 2015, and the Thunder returned the favour against the Royals last year.

East Perth did kick the first goal early on thanks to Luke Partington, but that would be the first and last right up until the fourth quarter for the Royals.

Peel had plenty more chances in the opening term but managed just the one major themselves. The Royals then kicked five behinds only in the second quarter and the Thunder just the one. Peel led by a point at the long break with both teams only managing a goal apiece.

The game was always going to break open at some point and it was Peel who made it happen in the third quarter. The Thunder booted five goals to nil with the returning Leroy Jetta on fire and grabbing his chances.

East Perth attempted a fightback with three final quarter goals but Peel was never seriously threatened and won its first game as reigning premiers, beating the Royals 7.11 (53) to 4.12 (36).

Jetta's return after suspension in 2016 was heartening for all involved with Peel with the former Essendon small forward booting four goals from 16 possessions.

Harley Balic was prolific through the middle all evening for the Thunder as well with the young midfielder racking up a game-high 30 possessions.

Peel had plenty more good ball winners with Rory O'Brien finishing with 26 disposals, Hayden Crozier 26, Tom Sheridan 24, Ethan Hughes 23, and Taylin Duman 19. Sam Collins and Griffin Logue were strong performers in the key defensive posts.

Tom Barrass was East Perth's only multiple goal scorer with two in the final quarter to go with 22 possessions and 10 marks for the night.

East Perth did have plenty of big ball winners and ended the game with 68 more disposals than Peel, but just couldn’t capitalise.

Captain Patrick McGinnity compiled 28 possessions for the Royals while Sam Butler also had 28 touches, Francis Watson 27 (10 tackles), Mutimer 26, Jack Redden 26, Partington 25, Nathan Blee 24 (10 marks), Liam Duggan 24 and Jordan Snadden 20.

East Perth's cause wasn’t helped with Mitch Fraser leaving the game early through injury.

East Perth will now take on West Perth in a derby on Sunday at HBF Arena. Peel heads home for the first time since last year's premiership to play East Fremantle at Bendigo Bank Stadium on Saturday.

EAST PERTH            1.2    1.7    1.9    4.12    (36)
PEEL THUNDER            1.7    1.8    6.10    7.11    (53)

EAST PERTH – Goals: Barrass 2; Mutimer, Partington.
Best: Barrass, Watson, McGinnity, Blee, Butler, Mutimer, Partington.
PEEL THUNDER – Goals: Jetta 4; Strnadica, Taberner, Crozier.
Best: Balic, Jetta, O'Brien, Crozier, Sheridan, Hughes, Logue.