Playing in back-to-back WAFL Grand Finals for Peel Thunder was a surreal feeling for Freo youngster Ryan Nyhuis.

The key defender played a major part in Peel’s win, holding Subiaco’s in-from forward Liam Ryan goalless for the game.

 “It’s always an interesting battle playing on Liam Ryan, he’s a great little player and I was lucky enough to keep him goalless today and do my part for the team,” Nyhius said.

 The 21-year-old commended fellow defender and Simpson Medallist, Luke Ryan and credited his hard-work in Peel’s defence.

“Luke was awesome, you don’t play by yourself back there,” Nyhius said.

“He was the key to keeping Liam Ryan quite as well with his roll off.

“I’m very proud of him, he’s got a bright future.”

Nyhuis also touched on the impact Zac Dawson had on his teammates and how important it was to get the win for him and fellow retiree Garrick Ibbotson.

Dawson kicked the first goal of the game and was influential in Peel’s fast start before injury his ankle and taking no further part in the game after quarter time.

“Zac has been a big player for us and he puts his body on the line every week,” Nyhuis said.

“We came into the half-time break and said we wanted to play for him and play like he would so everyone had to step up and I couldn’t be prouder of the boys.”

“It’s a new group and to see off a few veterans of the game in Zac Dawson and Garrick Ibbotson is very special.”