ROUND 20 PREVIEW V PEEL THUNDER

WEST Perth and Peel might seem a mismatch on paper with it being second against last on the ladder but with some big outs for the Falcons and big inclusions for the Thunder, the clash significantly tightens up.

West Perth might be looking good in second position on the ladder at present with an 11-5 record to be two games clear of the chasing Swan Districts, Perth and East Perth but the Falcons do need to keep winning to secure that double-chance come finals time.

The Falcons suffered a disappointing loss a fortnight ago to South Fremantle at home but also at Arena Joondalup bounced back to beat East Perth in the derby last Saturday by 30 points while doing particularly well to hold the Royals goalless after half-time.

Peel might be on the bottom of the ladder with just three wins for the season with all three of them coming in Mandurah against Swan Districts, East Perth and Subiaco, but the Thunder will be confident of causing an upset at Arena Joondalup on Saturday.

Peel came flying home three games ago against West Perth at Bendigo Bank Stadium to only lose by 16 points and showed some good form last week only losing to the in-form Swan Districts by 11 points at Bassendean's Steel Blue Oval.

West Perth has three big outs for the clash with Peel with full-back Michael Pettigrew out for the rest of the season with a serious hamstring injury while Jay van Berlo is out with a knee injury and experienced centre half-back Dan Hunt also goes out of the side.

Young big man Nick Rodda returns to the side after a week in the reserves and he will slot right back into one of the key defensive slots for the Falcons.

James Batterham, Drew Rohde, Kris Shannon, Frank Stockley and Jack Thrum are all pressing for selection for West Perth as well with all looking to fill roles left vacant at both ends of the ground.

Peel already had a stronger team after last week with Fremantle's Hayden Crozier and former AFL pair James Hawksley and Kristin Thornton, back in its line-up and now the Thunder is further strengthened this week.

Two Fremantle ruckmen Jack Hannath and Craig Moller are both into the Peel side giving the Thunder plenty of height to play one in the ruck and one up forward at all times to strength a West Perth back-line without Pettigrew and Hunt.

Laine Wilkins and Aiden Field are also a chance to come in and play for Peel while Jesse Hockings is the only out at this stage.

Surprisingly, former North Melbourne midfielder Cruize Garlett has not been recalled to the league side despite having a game back in the reserves last week against Swan Districts.

BY CHRIS PIKE