Those missing the footy during Freo’s bye week have the perfect alternative with 15 Fremantle-listed players set to be in action across Peel Thunder’s league and reserves teams this Saturday against East Perth.
The league match will commence at 2.10pm at Lane Group Stadium in Mandurah, with the sixth placed Thunder taking on the seventh placed Royals as both teams push to get into the top five.
Matt Taberner headlines the Freo players in action for Peel as the key forward makes his return to football after missing the past two AFL games with a back injury.
He will be joined by Josh Treacy, Sam Sturt, Lloyd Meek, Mitch Crowden, Neil Erasmus, Liam Henry, Ethan Hughes, Nathan Wilson, Joel Hamling, Matthew Johnson and Joel Western in the league team.
Karl Worner, Eric Benning and Sebit Kuek will also run out in the reserves.
Thunder Senior Coach Geoff Valentine said the Fremantle and Peel players made the most of the opportunity to train together in preparation for the game.
They were joined by two Fremantle stars on the track on Wednesday night at Victor George Kailis Oval, with Nat Fyfe and Michael Walters voluntarily taking part in training as they maintain their touch in the week off.
“Wednesday was a fantastic night. The conditions were great, there was really good energy, especially having ‘Sonny’, Nat and Tabs out there training as well,” Valentine said.
“There was a great feel around the place and it was a really good session. The Freo boys will come down to Peel for training on Thursday night as well and we’ll get into it for Saturday.”
Valentine said the Peel players were relishing the chance to train with some genuine AFL superstars.
“I’m sure some of our young fellas were pinching themselves a little bit,” Valentine said.
“It was great to build on the game that Nat had a fortnight ago (against Subiaco), he connected so well, not just with the players but with the whole Peel footy club.
“To be able to get another training session with him last night, just the way he conducts himself and shares his knowledge and his passion and energy, is fantastic.
“Sonny was the same, they were under no obligation to get out and train, it was off their own backs to get their best preparations for the Carlton game next week.
“It’s fantastic for our young defenders to play on someone like Sonny and also great for our young forwards to see how he goes about his business.”
The Thunder’s forward line will be especially strong behind the likes of Taberner, Treacy, Sturt and Western.
The game will be Western’s first since injuring his hamstring in round one, where he had 19 disposals and a goal before coming off with the injury.
“It will be great to see Tabs running around again from both a Freo and Peel point of view,” Valentine said.
“He is a Thunder premiership player and he’s an outstanding AFL player, so hopefully we can get him and JT (Josh Treacy) some supply.”
Valentine is hopeful that the Purple Army can also pull on the Teal and support the Thunder.
“Getting to watch players like Neil Erasmus, Matty Johnson, Liam Henry, Josh Treacy – guys like this are the future of Fremantle coming through,” Valentine said.
“This is where it all starts and it’s a great opportunity for fans to come down and see the next generation of Fremantle stars. It will be an exciting day for both clubs.”
The day will be one of celebration for Peel as forward Blair Bell plays his 100th game.
“Blair’s been a fantastic warrior for the Peel footy club,” Valentine said.
“He’s been through good times and tough times. He’s a dual premiership player and I think he’s only the 12th Peel player to get to the 100 game milestone. It’s a fantastic achievement and one we’re determined to ensure he celebrates at the end of the day.”
GAME DETAILS
Peel v East Perth
Lane Group Stadium, Mandurah
Saturday 18 June
2.10pm
Reserves at 11.40am
