Two late goals from defender Alex Pearce gave Peel Thunder a narrow victory over East Fremantle on Saturday.

Pearce was thrown forward by Peel coach Cam Shepherd in a move that paid dividends when he booted goals at the 24 and 27-minute marks to steer the Thunder to an 11.7 (73) to 9.16 (70) win against the Sharks.

He was also solid in defence, gathering 13 possessions and taking four marks in a performance that showed he was ready to return to the Fremantle side.

Teammates Matt De Boer and Ed Langdon also put in strong performances in the midfield, racking up 34 and 32 disposals respectively. De Boer laid six tackles and delivered the ball inside Peel’s attacking 50m arc on four occasions, while Langdon took ten marks.

Fremantle half-back Brady Grey said De Boer and Langdon were consistent performers.

“They do it week in week out and we can always rely on them to get it done for us,” he said.

Grey had 16 disposals and laid a game-high 12 tackles in windy conditions at Bendigo Bank Stadium.

“I played a bit of a different role today,” he said.

“I just tried to play my role and we won the game so hopefully I played my role right.”

Fremantle rookie Tanner Smith also found some form, kicking four goals from 10 possessions, while first-year defender Sam Collins continued his impressive start to the WAFL season, registering 19 possessions and reeling in eight marks while opposed to East Fremantle recruit Matthew Watson.

Meanwhile, Jack Hannath dominated in the ruck with a career-high 56 hit-outs.

Peel’s next game is against Swan Districts at Bassendean Oval on Saturday.