Despite an impressive performance from Clancee Pearce, Peel Thunder were convincingly beaten by Claremont at Bendigo Bank Stadium on Saturday.

Pearce finished with 31 possessions and also kicked Peel's first goal of the game, while Connor Blakely was also prolific for the Thunder, finishing with 31 possessions and a goal.

Other midfield performers included Nick Suban, who finished with 22 possessions and seven tackles, and Josh Deluca who finished with 21 possessions.

Fremantle ruckman Jack Hannath (12 possessions) said Blakely would benefit from a return to the WAFL.

“I think this week was probably a good one for him to come back,” he said.

“With a bit of pressure off (it would be good for him to) try and find a bit more touch and add bit to his defensive game.

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“It’s sort of hard for him to judge (how he went) with a poor team performance.

“I’m not sure how long he’ll be back for but he’ll look to build himself over the weeks that he is (playing for Peel).”

The 25-year-old was also impressed by the performance of Anthony Morabito, who had 15 possessions and kicked three goals in a rare stint up forward.

“Sending Mora forward obviously had its benefits,” he said.

“We want versatility in the squad and I think it showed today that Mora’s capable of playing down back, on the wing and up forward.

A slow start cost Peel dearly, as the Tigers capitalised on Thunder turnovers and kicked six goals to none in the opening quarter to set up a 17.10 (112) to 10.7 (67) victory.

In other promising news, Michael Apeness continued his positive recovery from injury, kicking five goals in the second half, while Ethan Hughes was clean with his ball use down back.

Peel will now look ahead to their clash against East Perth at Medibank Stadium, in a matchup that will have a major say in both sides' finals chances.