Peel Thunder locked away their third win across the first month of the 2023 WAFL season, defeating East Perth by 33 points at Leederville Oval on Saturday afternoon. 

Ten Fremantle listed players were in action to help attack the Royals, with a final result of 13.8 (86) to 6.17 (53).

Tom Emmett was the story of the day, booting three goals to go along with 17 disposals and four marks, while Karl Worner led all on ground with his 33 possessions and 11 marks in a commanding performance.

Rebounding defender Nathan Wilson (26 disposals, seven marks and a goal) and key forward Josh Treacy (13 disposals, 10 marks and a goal) also featured heavily throughout.

Peel's defensive pressure started out strong in the first term, with Wilson and Worner working harmoniously from the opening bounce to create free-flowing football for the Thunder.

Hugh Davies also made himself known as a force against the Royals, intercepting well to turn the play back towards Peel, finishing with 15 disposals and five marks.

Despite strength in defence, the Thunder were unable to capitalise early on the scoreboard as the Royals opened up a 16-point lead heading into the first change. 

Peel kept the Royals to just three behinds in the second term, while goals to Emmett, Treacy, Brady Grey, Blair Bell and Brody Wemm helped the Thunder flip the script to take a 20-point lead into half-time.

After a quiet first half Sebit Kuek reminded fans of his talent, kicking two last quarter goals, while Emmett helped seal the victory with his third for the day.

Speaking post-match Treacy described the game as a story of four quarters, as the Thunder aimed to bounce back strongly against the Royals after a disappointing result against South Fremantle the week prior.

“Once we addressed what was going on at quarter time, we were able to really put the foot down in the second quarter and stamp our authority on the game," Treacy said.

"We wanted to be brave and take the game on, mistakes will happen but we wanted to find the ability to move on and help each other to keep the ball rolling forward."

Reflecting on Worner and Wilson's defensive efforts, Treacy described the pair as having elite foot skills.

“It definitely helps us as forwards and there’s nothing better than seeing them run off halfback," Treacy said.

“You know they’re going to be composed and use the ball well, so it’s really good.”

The win moves Peel to equal first on points atop the WAFL ladder, but in third place on percentage.

The Thunder will hope to continue their season with a strong round five performance against Swan Districts at Rushton Park on Sunday 7 May.

Peel Thunder 3.2 9.5 10.7 13.8 (86)
East Perth 5.6 5.9 5.13 6.17 (53)

GOALS
Peel Thunder: T Emmett 3, B Middleton 2, S Kuek 2, B Grey 1, B Bell 1, J Letto 1, J Treacy 1, N Wilson 1, B Wemm 1
East Perth: N Bonomelli 2, S Jones 1, L Tedesco 1, R Saunders 1, J Peak 1

Meanwhile, ruck/forward Eric Benning and first-year player Conrad Williams played for Peel in the WAFL reserves against East Perth, going down to the Royals by 32 points.