Peel Thunder created history as they won their first premiership, defeating Subiaco by 23 points at Domain Stadium on Sunday.

Peel played with heart and desire as they held off a gutsy Subiaco side striving for their third consecutive Grand Final victory.

Here are the talking points from the match.

Peel’s fast start
Peel Thunder started the game the sharper of the two teams, kicking away to a four goal quarter time advantage. The Thunder did a similar thing to East Perth, West Perth and South Fremantle in their three finals before Sunday, and it looked likely they would again win the game in one goal-kicking flurry. But Subiaco, who trailed by as much as 29 points mid-way through the second term, rallied like the experienced finals campaigners they are, to get within 10 points of Peel. Peel’s fast start has been a focus of the side for several weeks, but the Lions didn’t lose their concentration, ensuring a contest right to the end.

The Yaz Man
Shane Yarran demonstrated that he was a class above with a brilliant five goal performance for Peel. Using his lightning acceleration, Yarran worked back towards goal, creating just enough space to evade his marker. Fremantle’s mature age recruit provided a strong marking target, and when combined with captain Gerald Ugle, proved too much of a handful for Subiaco’s defenders.

Peel Thunder win WAFL Premiership

Midfield maestros
Peel’s midfield brigade of Simpson Medallist Connor Blakely, Matt de Boer, Ed Langdon, Darcy Tucker and Rory O’Brien transitioned smoothly and efficiently through the middle of Domain Stadium at a pace which prevented Subi’s midfield from blocking up the space in the forward line. Tendai Mzungu was influential, using his booming kick to drive Peel deep inside 50 on nine occasions.

True grit
Despite showing class when moving the ball, there was no denying Peel’s desperation around the contest. The Thunder’s on-ballers, led by de Boer who finished with 14 tackles, were relentless in their pursuit of the ball carrier. Peel lost their shape late in the third term as Subiaco threatened to over-run them, but Ugle showed his leadership with a brilliant tackle, which led to his third goal and sparked a revival from the Thunder. Peel played with heart and intensity to run out the game 23-point victors.