AFL
Kuek's new number locked in

In a Saturday afternoon thriller, Peel Thunder defeated Subiaco 11.8.74 to 10.8.68 at a packed Leederville Oval.

Fans filled the stands as Fremantle skipper Nat Fyfe made his much-awaited return to football post-injury, playing his first WAFL game in 12 years.

Six Fremantle-listed players lined up for Peel under clear skies, with the Club’s midseason draftee Sebit Kuek marking strongly in his debut.

Fyfe led from the front early with nine disposals and three marks in the first quarter of his first match donning the Peel colours.

The Freo captain finished the day on 24 disposals, five marks and four tackles.

WAFL 2022 Round 07 - Subiaco v Peel

WAFL 2022 Round 07 - Subiaco v Peel
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Karl Worner and Sam Sturt applied the pressure early in the first term.

Subiaco started the game fiercely, booting the first three majors before Peel responded with a much-needed goal before the quarter time siren.

Despite Peel’s best efforts to tighten the goal margin in the second quarter, the Thunder were unable to convert to goal early in the term.

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Nat Fyfe highlights | WAFL Showreel

Fans filled the stands as Fremantle skipper Nat Fyfe made his much-awaited return to football post-injury, playing his first WAFL game in 12 years.

Joel Hamling (nine disposals, six marks) was influential in the backline, providing much needed support for Peel’s defenders.

Peel’s momentum swung drastically after half time against the reigning premiers, with two early goals setting the tone for the third term.

Sturt and Hamling contested strongly, providing speed from defence and making crucial forward connection.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 04: Josh Treacy of the Thunder celebrates a goal during the round seven WAFL match between the Subiaco Lions and Peel Thunder at Leederville Oval on June 04, 2022 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

Joshua Treacy (19 disposals) flicked the switch for Peel, marking strongly inside 50 and kicking two important goals, putting the Thunder in front for the first time for the afternoon.

Peel’s gallant endeavour to continue the pressure in the final term was echoed by strong offensive efforts from Fyfe. 

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 04: Nat Fyfe of the Thunder handballs during the round seven WAFL match between the Subiaco Lions and Peel Thunder at Leederville Oval on June 04, 2022 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

With scores levelled by Subiaco’s first goal for the quarter, Peel managed to fight back with Treacy kicking his third goal of the game, extending the margin to six points and sealing the match.

Peel Thunder now sit third on the ladder and will prepare for their clash against Swan Districts in front of a home crowd next Saturday at 2:10pm.

PEEL 1.3  4.4  8.7  11.8  (74)
SUBIACO 4.2  8.3  9.6  10.8 (68)

GOALS
PEEL THUNDER: J Treacy 3, Guy Barnes 2, Ben Middleton 2, Ryan Bennell 1, Brodie Carroll 1, Brodie Kitchingman 1, Jackson Knight 1
SUBIACO: Ryan Borchet 4, Jordan Faraone 3, Kody Eaton 1, Stefan Giro 1, Ben Sokol 1

BEST
PEEL THUNDER: Joshua Treacy, Nathan Fyfe, Haydn Matthews
SUBIACO: Ryan Borchet, Stefan Giro, Lachlan Delahunty