Peel Thunder are buzzing ahead of their maiden preliminary final, according to Fremantle midfielder Connor Blakely.

Peel, who prior to their defeat of East Perth a fortnight ago had never won a final, will take on South Fremantle at Fremantle Oval on Sunday for a place in the 2016 WAFL Grand Final. 

After finishing the AFL season on a high by beating the Western Bulldogs in Matthew Pavlich’s farewell match at Domain Stadium, Blakely said his teammates were determined to make history for Fremantle’s affiliate side.

“Everyone’s really up and about at the moment,” Blakely said.

“Obviously sending off Pav on such a good note (in Fremantle’s round 23 win against the Bulldogs at Domain Stadium) was such a good thing for him and the club.

“It’s really important for us to keep going on with this strong form to go as deep as we can.

“All the boys at the club are focused and willing to do anything to get to that final stage.

He said Peel’s strong season reinforced the values of Fremantle’s alignment with its WAFL affiliate.

Peel cruise into preliminary final

“The way we’ve been playing – it’s really positive. It’s really good for Peel and the alignment,” Blakely said.

“It really shows that when it works, it’s really strong.

“The group here that we’ve got; it’s a great opportunity for us to make some history.”

Seventeen Fremantle-listed players are available for selection for the Thunder, while the rest of the playing list has embarked on their summer break ahead of a gruelling preseason.

Without denying the appeal in taking a holiday of his own, Blakely said he and his Peel teammates were well and truly motivated to win Peel’s first premiership.

“At first you’re a bit jealous because (the other players) get to do their offseason things but there’s a great opportunity for us to make some history,” Blakely said.

“Everyone’s really up and about at the moment.”

Blakely has planned two trips to Indonesia in the offseason and hopes to also visit Sri Lanka with teammate Ed Langdon.