Peel Thunder secured a magnificent comeback win against East Fremantle on Good Friday to open their WAFL campaign for season 2023.

Eleven Fremantle-listed players were in action to help the Thunder overcome the Sharks, ending with a nail-biting 11.13 (79) to 11.9 (75) victory.

The Peel midfield featured Will Brodie, Karl Worner and Neil Erasmus, with Josh Corbett, Sam Sturt, Josh Treacy, Tom Emmett and Sebit Kuek in attack, while Joel Hamling, Hugh Davies and Corey Wagner lined up in defence. 

Brodie set the pace for Peel in his very first game donning the teal and blue, establishing himself as a force through the midfield to finish with a game-high 37 disposals and seven tackles.

Worner (27 disposals) and Erasmus (18 disposals, seven tackles, five marks) also made significant contributions.

Erasmus also joined Freo teammates Corbett and Sturt as Peel's multiple goalkickers for the day, with two majors each.

The Thunder started the match strongly kicking two goals within the opening five minutes of the first term.

Despite the strong start, Peel were soon under pressure by a ruthless East Fremantle side as they began to close in and take the lead in the second term.

Peel fought hard but the Sharks built up a 23-point lead heading into the final term.

Four quick goals in the final quarter to Peel flipped the script to see the Thunder take the lead, while also restricting the Sharks to just three points in the fourth - courtesy of immense pressure by Worner and Wagner.

Worner spoke post-game as he reflected on Peel's season opening victory.

“We knew our defence was going to be key in stopping their run off halfback," Worner said.

“It was more just using the ball. Trying to change angles and trying to stop their runners. I think we did that pretty well.”

Worner described Brodie as a high-class midfielder and said his AFL experience added immense value to Peel’s game.

“We were lucky to have Wiz down here at Peel. He led really well through that midfield today," Worner said.

“He was a real leader and showed the way with contest work.”

The Thunder will hope to maintain momentum heading into Round 2 against Perth at Rushton Park - with bouncedown at 2.10pm on Saturday 15 April.

Peel Thunder 3.4 4.7 7.9 11.13 (79)
East Fremantle 3.1 7.4 11.6 11.9 (75)

GOALS
Peel Thunder: N Erasmus 2, J Corbett 2, B Wemm 2, S Sturt 2, J Sears 1, T Emmett 1, B Grey 1, 
East Fremantle: L English 3, T Bennett 2, E Simpson 2, B Lawler 2, H Marsh 1, D O’Reilly 1