Fremantle midfielder Darcy Tucker has helped steer Peel Thunder to victory against East Perth 13.15 (93) to 6.4 (40) at New Choice Homes Park on Saturday afternoon.

Tucker led the way for the Thunder and put his hand up for an AFL recall, after amassing 38 disposals, nine marks and six tackles as well as booting three goals.

12 Fremantle-listed players took the field for Peel, who moved into the top five after a disappointing loss to the Perth Demons last weekend.

Fremantle’s Matt Johnson opened the scoring in the first term, with a long-range goal that dribbled through from outside 50.

It didn’t take long for fellow midfielders Neil Erasmus and Tucker to hit the scoreboard, who both kicked goals during the first quarter.

East Perth were dominant at stoppages, however, Peel ended the first quarter with a 10-point lead thanks to a strong back with the flight mark and a goal by Fremantle’s Sam Sturt.

Sturt kicked the opening goal of the second quarter as Peel began to lift the intensity and move the ball cleanly with handball chains.

Joel Western gave Peel a 26-point lead at the main break after two consecutive goals during the second quarter.

Some determined efforts off the half-back line by Traye Bennell helped set up Peel’s ball movement, whilst Sturt booted another two goals to take his tally to four.  

Peel controlled the footy for most of the 3rd quarter and kept East Perth goalless compared to the Thunder’s three majors, handing them a 50-point lead heading into the final change.

East Perth kicked the first goal of the last quarter, but goals to Tucker, Matthews and Bell throughout the quarter denied the Royals any hope of a comeback.

Connor Blakely starred in the midfield with 34 disposals and eight inside 50’s, while Erasmus continued to star at WAFL level, with another 32 disposals and seven marks to go with a goal.

Joel Hamling returned to the line-up with 10 disposals and five marks in a solid outing, while Johnson was impressive, gathering 25 disposals and kicking a goal in a display that highlighted his cleanliness and class.

Peel head into their bye sitting in 5th position on the WAFL ladder, one win behind South Fremantle, who they face at Lane Group Stadium the following week.

East Perth 2.2 3.2 3.3 6.4 (40)
Peel Thunder 4.0 7.4 10.11 13.15 (93)

GOALS
East Perth: N Bonomelli 2, N Robertson 2, A Schumacher, A Scott
Peel Thunder: S Sturt 4, D Tucker 3, J Western 2, N Erasmus, H Matthews, B Bell, M Johnson