Fremantle’s Matt de Boer put in a strong performance in tough conditions to push Peel Thunder to a 44-point victory against East Fremantle at ATOM Stadium on Saturday.
The midfielder finished with 29 possessions and 12 tackles and was a prominent ball mover as Peel made the most of the wet conditions to move back into the top five on the WAFL ladder.
The game also saw Fremantle defender Alex Silvagni play his first senior game since suffering a calf injury.
It was a dry start to the game with an even first quarter. Fremantle forward Shane Yarran took a stunning mark and finished with a goal as Peel took a 22-point lead into quarter time.
Rain at the start of the second quarter changed the dynamic of the game into a scrappy affair, with conditions similar to Peel’s loss to West Perth only a week earlier.
When East Fremantle scored the first two goals of the quarter, Peel threatened to collapse but were spurred on by de Boer and Darcy Tucker who helped Peel stabilise and move into halftime 22 points up against their finals rivals.
De Boer, Tucker and Josh Deluca continued their good game into the second half, where a muddy and slippery pitch didn’t affect Peel’s performance, as they kept East Fremantle goalless throughout the half.
Shane Yarran added another to his tally to finish on 2.1, while 18-year-old Peel youngster Brent Milward finished with three goals in only his second senior match, to propel Peel to a 10.9 (69) to 3.8 (26) win against the Sharks.
Silvagni said it was fantastic to get through a full game despite the difficult conditions.
“I feel great getting through a full game so it was fantastic, difficult conditions but good to get through”, Silvagni said.
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Silvagni also heaped praise on midfielder de Boer.
“Matty’s (de Boer) an absolute animal the way he works through the midfield and gives first use,” Silvagni said.
“It’s fantastic to be in the team with him and the way he goes about it, he’s such a professional.”
Peel Thunder makes the trip to Cunderdin next Saturday to play the in form Perth Demons.
Silvagni hopes to put on a great performance for the country town.
“It’s always exciting to play in the country and give those spectators an opportunity they don’t really get.”
