Simpson Medallist Connor Blakley believes Peel’s Grand Final success stemmed from the Fremantle players buying into Peel Thunder’s game plan.

Blakely, who was one of 17 Fremantle players representing Peel against Subiaco on Sunday at Domain Stadium, said the relationship between all of the players was vital.

“I think all the Peel and Freo boys gelled so well together and I think that was strength of what happened throughout the finals series,” he said.

“We got along so well and we really bought into all the things Shep (Peel coach Cam Shepherd) wanted us to do and we stuck to the game plan really well and fought right to the end.”

Peel Thunder win WAFL Premiership

Blakely, who finished with 38 possessions while going toe-to-toe with Subiaco’s Kyle Horsley, edged out fellow midfielder Ed Langdon and forward Shane Yarran for the best-on-ground award.

“Obviously Shane Yarran had a pretty strong game, kicking five goals and Ed Langdon was really strong in the midfield and on the wing,” he said.

“I was pretty surprised actually.”

Blakely was dropped from the Fremantle side in round 19 to find some form in the WAFL and he believes it was the right call despite conjecture that it was to qualify him for finals.

“Obviously there was a lot of speculation as to why things happen, but I was super clear as to why it happened and what I needed to work on,” he said.

“I was pretty proud of the way I handled it. It can go one of two ways and I took the higher ground.”

Talking Points from Peel's Grand Final

For Peel, a team that has nine wooden spoons in its 20-year history, winning the flag was a significant step.

Blakely was under no illusions as to what it meant to the Peel faithful.

“We all went down to Peel (last night) and the crowd there was unbelievable,” he said.

“Just the raw emotion of (Peel CEO) Johnny Ditchburn and Cam Shepherd.

“It means a lot to the Peel Thunder football club and the Peel community as well.”

Blakely sees the off-season as an opportunity to review his development as an AFL footballer.

“You definitely re-evaluate and look back on the year and look at what and what didn’t work well,” he said.

“We’ll take a lot from playing in the WAFL finals series and obviously it will help a lot for Fremantle in the future.”

The 20-year-old may also be sporting a new look when he returns next year, with Lyon suggesting he should do something about his hair.

“After the off-season I might get a little trim.”