Peel Thunder have earned a tough 18-point victory over Swan Districts at Rushton Park, progressing them to the top five of the WAFL ladder.

The Thunder started strong and stayed ahead the whole game, holding off a fast-finishing Swans to win 10.18 (78) to 9.6 (60).

Fremantle ruckman Sean Darcy, who dominated with 31 hit-outs and scored three goals, said Peel’s win was all about going back to the basics.

“It was really tough out there but we just needed to work on the basics - ground balls, tackles, working on the contest,” he said.

“I started off pretty well, I thought my run was getting back but it died off in the next half, that’s something I need to work on, but I hit the scoreboard which is lovely, everyone loves a goal and I thought my hit-out, when I was back to the basics, was really good.”

The Swans came out strong after half-time, kicking three majors and leaving Peel goalless in the third quarter.

Darcy said coach Cam Sheppard’s advice was again, to return to basics.

“Just winning the ground balls, tackles… taking the one v ones down the line instead of kicking backwards,” he said. 

Darcy said Fremantle’s Bradley Hill and Brady Grey finished with strong performances on their return from injury.

“Everyone knows the quality of player Bradley is so he was really good… he was lively, running all day,” he said. 

“I’ve spent a fair bit of time in rehab with him and he’s working pretty hard so he’ll be back, and he was unreal.” 

Darcy said Brady Grey, who he’d also spent time in rehab with, was also sturdy, collecting 20 disposals.

“You know what you’re going to get from Brady; he’s going to put his head over the footy and make a contest every time and that’s what he did, and that’s what we’ve got to continue working on,” he said.

Peel Thunder will face top-of-the-ladder Subiaco next week at Leederville Oval on Friday 6 July at 7:10pm.