East Perth vs Peel Thunder Preview

The East Perth and Peel rivalry enters a new chapter on Saturday when the Royals travel down to David Grays Arena. With the sides coming off Round 4 losses to league leaders Perth and Subiaco, both teams hungry for a win.

Royals Coach, Jeremy Barnard is confident the team is tracking in the right direction, despite the challenges against the strong teams in the WAFL. Barnard goes on “I felt in last week’s game we played better, more consistent and closer to the way we want the team to play, than in the first three games.“

Ensuring the team stays positive and confident is an important pillar of the coaching staff. Barnard explains “As coaches, we make sure we have a good balance between the things we need to improve on and the things we are doing well. It’s also really important to make sure we bond off the field and still have fun.”

Whilst trying to keep the positivity, Barnard and his coaching staff hold the boys to a tough training schedule. East Perth’s training this week has been focusing on keeping the midfield intact. “Moving the ball into our forward line and then having our midfield and backs connected so we’ve got good density in the midfield. This makes it harder for the opposition to transition the ball out.“ Barnard explains further.

Shayne Hille, who had 20 possessions and 3 goals against Perth will again be looking for another impressive performance. 2019 League Debutants Nathan Arbon and Jamie Rudrum have once more been selected. Arbon showed good composure in his first League match and Rudrum was a standout in the second half playing an unfamiliar role of a Backman against dangerous forward Cody Ninyette.

Senior players Patrick McGinnity, Jackson Ramsay and Rohan Kerr will again be relied on to continue their strong starts to the season. Ruckman Ajang Ajang rolled his ankle during Thursday’s match, however Barnard is confident he will play on Saturday.

Barnard concludes “We think we are a good chance, but we will have to play our best footy to beat Peel and as always the Royals are always confident.” 

Get down to David Grays Arena in your black and blue to be our ‘23rd Player’ and lift our boys to their second win of the season.

Colts Bouncedown: 9am

Reserves Bouncedown: 11:30am

League Bouncedown: 2:15pm