Peel Thunder opened their premiership title defence with a hard fought win against East Perth at Leederville Oval on Saturday night.

After a slow start for both teams, the Thunder came out strongly in the third term to set up a 7.11 (53) to 4.12 (36) win.

The clash saw the affiliate sides of the two WA-based AFL clubs go head to head, with many AFL listed players playing on each other.

Hayden Crozier put his hand up for selection for Fremantle’s round one clash against Geelong with 26 disposals, while Freo’s new draftees continued to progress well in their first year at the club.

Next week, Peel will play their first home game of the season in round two against East Fremantle on Saturday 25 March at Rushton Park. 

Fremantle senior development coach Marc Webb reviewed the 13 Fremantle listed players that represented Peel.

Sean Darcy
Played in the ruck for the majority of the game and put in a strong effort. He had 22 hit-outs while opposed to a really experienced ruckman in East Perth’s Jonathan Giles. Sean showed a lot of ability and has continued his growth from the pre-season.

Griffin Logue
Played half-back and had 17 possessions while playing on some of East Perth’s taller and smaller players. Griffin helped out the defensive group by rolling off well and taking a few good marks.

Nick Suban
Played as a high forward for the majority of the game and also on the wing. He gave a good defensive effort with four strong tackles, while getting into some good crumbing positions.

Ethan Hughes
Played as a half-back and rolled off really well with 23 possessions. He was strong with his ball use and defended well. Ethan’s seven marks show his rebound capacity.

Hayden Crozier
Played the majority of the game on ball and was strong inside the contest with 13 contested possessions. With seven clearances, Hayden is really improving the on-ball side of his game.

Tommy Sheridan
Mixed his time between the wing and half-back, picking up 24 possessions. Tommy was really good with his link-up play, which set us up from half-back. He was also strong defensively and prevented East Perth’s smaller forwards from getting on top in the game.

Matt Taberner
Played high as a forward and deep as well with six marks and a goal. He was strong coming up as a ball carrier and put in a reasonable effort against some quality AFL backs in Tom Barrass and Will Schofield.

Harley Balic
Played the majority of the game on the ball and showed some real poise with his contested possessions, while being clean inside the contests. It was a good opportunity for Harley to play on the likes of like Jack Redden and Luke Partington.

Brady Grey
Once again Brady was really strong with his line at the contest and his tackling. Playing on the ball, Brady was hard and clean around the clearances, and had six effective tackles. 

Brennan Cox
It was a tough game early for Brennan playing forward. He tried to work himself into the game and showed composure when he went into defence in the second half.

Taylin Duman
Played on the wing and half-back, and looked really clean and composed with the ball. Taylin ran well defensively as a winger and supported the defence with his spoiling efforts as a half-back. 

Sam Collins
A strong defensive performance from Sam helped keep East Perth’s key forwards goalless. Sam was good with his body work and was strong in his one-on-ones with eight marks in defence.

Luke Strnadica
Luke had eight hit-outs and mixed between deep forwad and the ruck. As a forward, he worked well with his pressure, and showed good signs as a ruckman when he supported Sean Darcy. Did well to compete and follow up around the contest.