Fremantle midfielder Ed Langdon led Peel Thunder to a 26-point victory over East Fremantle at Bendigo Bank Stadium on Saturday.

Returning after four weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, Langdon racked up 34 disposals and kicked one goal as Peel moved into third position on the WAFL ladder.

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After a disappointing start which saw them trail by 22 points at quarter-time, the Thunder took control of the midfield during the second half and kicked away to record a 14.8 (92) to 8.18 (66) victory.

Also impressive for Peel were Hayden Crozier and Cameron Sutcliffe, after picking up 27 and 30 disposals respectively.

Irish recruit Sean Hurley kicked two goals, while Jonathon Griffin was Peel’s leading goal kicker with three.

East Fremantle failed to capitalise on its dominant first term and poor kicking for goal cost the Sharks dearly in the second half.

Langdon said his sights were firmly set on an AFL debut, but he was content playing for Peel in the meanwhile.

“At the moment, coming off an injury, I’m just happy to get back and keep playing down at Peel,” he said.

“We are going well at the moment after this win and we will keep pushing for finals at the end of the year.”

Langdon also praised the performance of fellow midfielder Sutcliffe, who has spent most of the season playing for the Dockers.

“Obviously nobody wants to get dropped from the AFL team, but the way he responded and came back was really impressive and showed great leadership,” he said.

Peel’s record-equalling eighth win for the season has put it in a strong position to qualify for its first finals series.

The Thunder faces fourth-placed Claremont, who narrowly accounted for South Fremantle this week, at the Showgrounds on Saturday.