Camera IconFrom left: Harley Balic was Peel's leading possession getter; Luke Ryan kicks the ball forward; Sean Darcy jostles to contest a mark. Credit: Supplied/Supplied, Belinda Pike
WAFL: Thunder coach Shepherd rues missed opportunities against Bulldogs
Tim SlaterMandurah Coastal Times
April 3, 2017 4:00PM
Coach Cameron Shepherd said he was disappointed in the team's effort after the first quarter.
Peel tasted its first defeat since round 22 last season, when it embarked on a five-game winning streak on the way to winning the 2016 premiership flag for the first in its history.
It started this season defeating East Perth and East Fremantle in the first two games.
Shepherd said the loss wasn't a reality check for the club, rather it was a case of coming up against a good opponent.
MORE: Still no end in sight to Spud Shed's appeal
MORE: Brazilian trip leads South Perth pair to food truck idea
MORE: Kalamunda Show to debut new attractions and offer ticket discounts
He said inaccurate kicking had cost the team, with the players having a lot of chances to score.
"We'll look forward to rectifying that in the next week or so," Shepherd said.
But he said he was still happy with the team's performance from the first three games so far.
Harley Balic was Peel's leading possession getter, racking up 29 disposals and 11 marks.
"Harley played well through the middle and got plenty of possessions, and Sam Collins in the backline was really solid," Shepherd said.
The game was lost in the third quarter, with the Bulldogs kicking 6.2, to Peel's three points.
"They kicked three of four easy goals on our turnovers," he said. "The run of the game went their way and they took advantage of it."
Shepherd said Saturday's grand final rematch against Subiaco at Leederville Oval would be exciting.
"We've both won two and lost one," he said. "They'll be feeling pretty good after beating West Perth last weekend so it should be a good game."