PEEL Thunder has moved a game clear of East Fremantle within the WAFL Colts top five, after downing the Sharks by an even two goals on Saturday. The Thunder surged home at the WACA, booting seven final quarter goals to overcome deficits at the first three breaks and win, 11.7 (73) to 9.7 (61).

We noted some of the top performers from either side, before taking a look around the grounds in Round 10.

EAST FREMANTLE:

#7 Chadd Dunscombe

In the absence of prime movers Jed Hagan and Luke Yeo over the past few weeks, the 17 year-old has really stepped up in the engine room for the Sharks and he was impressive again against the Thunder, providing some real grunt around the ball to finish with 20 disposals and 11 tackles as he took it up to some of Peel’s talented on-ballers. Although he isn’t the cleanest ball user, Dunscombe’s work-rate and ability to compete was excellent as he helped the Sharks neutralise the territory battle.

#9 Luke Urquhart

Making his Colts debut at just 15 years old, Urquhart had a terrific game playing as a high half-forward, competing well and taking his chances when they came. He led up well at the ball carrier and showed excellent penetration in his kicking, catching the Peel defence napping to boot two goals from beyond 50. He finished with 10 disposals, four tackles and two majors in a promising first up display and will be one to watch over the next few years.

#29 Jayke Scott

The 18-year-old continued his strong form in the ruck, as he was the Sharks leading ball winner, managing 22 touches and 33 hitouts in an enterprising duel with Thunder ruckman Eli Haynes. Having started the season in defence, the 188cm utility enjoyed the move into the middle, acting as an extra midfielder after the stoppage and giving the Sharks a big physical presence around the ball.

PEEL THUNDER:

#2 Scott Tuia

The 18-year-old was Peel’s most consistent midfielder over the four quarters, working hard to register 22 disposals. The Donnybrook product was clean at ground level and used the ball well on most occasions. He also showed the ability to get on the move at stoppages, as he executed a centre break to perfection in the final term to burst out the front of the stoppage and deliver onto the chest of a teammate.

#19 Ethan Logan

The underage prospect was released from the state 18s during the week to play for Peel and showed selectors of his talents at the WACA, kicking three goals from 13 disposals as he was the Thunder’s most dangerous forward. He showed a clean pair of hands and was also particularly dangerous at ground level, kicking crumbing goals from both his left and right foot. The Baldivas product also showed his versatility, pinch-hitting in the ruck at times, having started the season down back before being moved forward against the Sharks.

#21 Clay Hall

The state 18s squad member worked his way into the game after a quiet start to have a big influence in the last quarter, and help the Thunder overcome a deficit at the final change to win the game. The bottom-ager got to work when the game was on the line, winning some important clearances and using his penetrating left boot to good effect when delivering the ball to his forwards. He finished with 16 disposals and five inside 50s, and looks to be a promising prospect for the 2023 draft.

AROUND THE GROUNDS:

Subiaco had a strong win over Swan Districts, to the tune of 45 points at Steel Blue Oval. Rory Murison was influential with 31 disposals and nine tackles while Ky Franceschini (28 disposals) and Ryan Newick (23) also found plenty of the football. On a tough day for the Black Ducks, ruckman Evan Smith was impressive with 33 hitouts and 19 disposals, while Brodyn Fitzgerald managed two goals from his 14 touches.

Ladder leaders West Perth held off a strong comeback from Perth to secure a three-point victory at Mineral Resources Park. Byron Sherwood got busy for the Falcons, racking up 31 disposals and seven marks while state 18s squad member Daniel Gathercole reminded selectors of his abilities, registering 29 disposals and nine marks. Mercurial forward Jack DeMarte kicked three majors to also be important for the visitors. For Perth, Connor McDonald returned from PSA duties and was superb, kicking two goals from 29 disposals, while Oliver Zolnier-Owens was productive with 22 touches.

East Perth made a fast start to blow Claremont away early and run out victorious by 56-points at Leederville Oval. Darcy Craven (28 disposals), Jordyn Baker (27) and Darcy Miller (27) were all productive for the Royals and Josh Harris hit the scoreboard, managing four goals. Max Mumme continued his good form for Claremont, finding the football 28 times, and Jac Coltman had a presence up forward with three goals.