Peel Thunder’s gutsy win over Perth was soured by injuries to key Fremantle players Zac Clarke and Connor Blakely at Lathlain Park on Saturday.

With scores level at three quarter time, Peel kicked away to record a 14.16 (100) to 13.9 (87) victory over the Demons and leapfrog East Perth into third position on the WAFL ladder.

WAFL Watch: Player stats - Saturday 22 August

The Thunder’s win was particularly impressive given they played the second half with just two men on the bench.

Blakely limped from the ground after injuring his ankle in the second quarter, while Clarke was stretchered off after being knocked out during a contest shortly before half time.

Fremantle midfielder Jacob Ballard, who had a game high 34-disposals, said Clarke had copped a knock to the head.

“After the game he was up and about, he was smiling and talking to the boys and happy with the win,” Ballard said.

“That was great to see that he was talking fine and in good form.

“Connor (Blakely) I think hurt his ankle pretty badly. He hobbled off the ground and had it strapped up after the game.

“He is going to get a scan and then wait and see from there.”

Ballard said Peel had shown plenty of tenacity to get up against the bottom-placed Perth.

“That’s the thing with the WAFL – any team on any day is a danger,” Ballard said.

“Ladder position doesn’t really mean too much.

“To get over the line after being down in the first quarter and equal at three quarter time with only two on the bench, and to guts out the win and get the four points, is huge for us.”

Ballard, who was clearly best on ground, also managed two goals and eight marks for the day.

“I thought I was pretty solid today and it was good to push forward and get a couple of goals. That’s something I don’t usually do,” he said.

“I’ve been focusing on my contested ball as an inside mid and my running patterns.

“I think I’ve been building this season and gradually improving.”

Peel will secure third place and a double chance in the finals if they can beat seventh-placed South Fremantle at Bendigo Bank Stadium on Saturday.