SHARKS EVEN THE LEDGER

Round 2 Match Report - East Fremantle v Peel Thunder at New Choice Homes Park

East Fremantle have bounced back from their round one loss in style, defeating a plucky Peel Thunder side by 42 points, 13.9 (87) to 6.9 (45).

It was an impressive performance from the Sharks, who were challenged by Peel in the third term before finishing the game strongly, kicking six goals to one in the final term.

East Fremantle captain Jonathan Griffin led the way throughout the match, dominating the ruck contest with 31 hit outs and giving the midfield first use of the ball. The ruckman also recorded 12 disposals, 2 tackles and kicked a terrific final quarter goal - a snap from 40 metres out which a small forward would have been proud of.

The Sharks midfield was also impressive throughout the match with the side tallying over 300 disposals and 57 tackles - both impressive feats in shortened games and after the result in round one.

Jordan Snadden worked hard and had 28 disposals while Blaine Boekhorst gathered 25 touches of the football, showcasing his usual run and dash around the ground. Thomas Bennett and Milan Murdock also combined for 43 disposals, 2 goals and an impressive 12 tackles while new recruit Cody Leggett played his best game in the blue and white hoops, recording 21 disposals, 6 marks and 6 tackles.

Up forward, no fewer than 10 East Fremantle players kicked goals. Lachlan Bailey continued his great form, kicking two goals and justifying his move to the forward line. Ryan Lester-Smith and Milan Murdock also kicked two majors, the former complimenting his already great performance in the midfield by impacting the scoreboard.

In defence Dylan Winton and vice captain Matthew Jupp were reliable as ever, helping keep Peel to just 5 goals for the game while Max Murphy continues to develop his game as he recorded 13 disposals and 5 tackles.

On getting just his second win in the blue and white hoops, Jordan Snadden said post match: “It’s a great feeling. After a disappointing result Round 1, to come back and play the way we wanted to play against Peel was really pleasing and I’m really glad we were able to come away with the win.”

“I thought I was a bit in and out of the game but I just went back to what Bill Monaghan tells us and that’s to play to our structure and play as a team. You get rewarded sometimes when you do your job for the team and I was a bit off-pace but I’m happy to come away from the game unscathed.”

When asked about this week’s match against East Perth, he said: “I’m really looking forward to it, I haven’t played much footy in the last 12 months so to be playing 6 games in a row is exciting. East Perth are a good side and have been going alright, we’ve both got pretty young teams so it’ll be a good game.”

This weekend the Sharks take on East Perth at Leederville Oval, with the Sharks looking to go back to back. Bill Monaghan will be hoping his side can continue their good form found against Peel and hunt for a spot in the top 4.
 
EF - 3.2 5.4 7.4 13.9 (87)
PT - 1.4 1.6 5.9 6.9 (45)

GOALS: 2 - M Murdock, R Lester-Smith, L Bailey 1 - J Griffin, L Strnadica, M Burton, N Bonomelli, T Marshall, M Tassone, T Monaghan

BEST: M Jupp, B Boekhorst, M Murdock, J Griffin, J Snadden
 

Match photos available here thanks to Phil Elliott and Justin Elliott at Pixell Photograph