Peel Thunder product Josh Draper made his league debut on Saturday and was part of the Thunder's convincing 65-point win over Perth at Rushton Park in Mandurah.
A travelling emergency for Fremantle in round four against Adelaide, Draper spent the week with his Fremantle teammates in the build-up to Gather Round, returning to Perth on Friday night.
Draper was one of three members of the Thunder’s 2022 Colts Premiership team to run out in the league side, alongside fellow debutant Clay Hall and Michael Selwood, who made his debut in round one.
The 197cm Draper slotted in at full back after impressing over the summer playing on Fremantle forwards Nat Fyfe and Matt Taberner.
The league debutant found the ball 15 times - including 11 kicks - while also taking six marks as part of a Peel defence that kept Perth to just one goal for the entire match.
Speaking ahead of the clash with Perth, Peel Senior Coach Geoff Valentine said he was thrilled to give Draper the opportunity.
“It’s a big moment, he’s had a great pre-season and to get him into the league team in round two, it’s a testament to the work he’s done, his talent and the way the Peel colts talent program has set him up for success,” Valentine said.
“We’re also bringing in Clay Hall, he’s another debutant this week who’s still only under 18. He’ll also come in and make his debut with Drapes.
“With Michael Selwood that will make three players from last year’s premiership team all playing league footy by round two, which is a great feather in their caps.”
Valentine said Draper would have taken a lot from training with his AFL teammates for the past week.
“He would have loved it,” Valentine said.
“The first time you jump on a plane and travel away and stay in the hotel, you’re in amongst it. He was able to take in the energy around Gather Round in Adelaide, which is really building.
“He spent a week living the life of a professional athlete and I know that’s something Josh has always aspired to be.
“When he gets a bit closer to playing his first AFL game, he’ll be really excited about that, but he knows he has a lot of work to do and has to make his mark at WAFL level first and go from there.”
Valentine said the Peel Football Club had a talent and Colts program they could be proud of.
“Last year’s premiership was a combination of talent, work ethic and strong connection,” Valentine said.
“They were a very connected team, they worked really hard, were clearly well coached and well drilled.
“There was a strong commitment to their footy and the Peel footy club and it’s fantastic to see all of them playing some really good footy.”
Draper’s league debut followed last weekend’s late call up for Hugh Davies as a replacement for ruckman Liam Reidy, who suffered an abdominal injury.
Davies was Fremantle’s top selection at number 33 in last year’s AFL National Draft.
