Peel Thunder look set to play their second finals series in as many years and their squad will likely feature a number of Fremantle players who qualify through the club’s alignment agreement.
To qualify for the finals, a player must have been named in the playing squad for at least five WAFL regular season games. The following players have featured throughout the 2016 season for Peel and are eligible for the finals.
The five-gamers
Alex Silvagni has been solid in his return to Fremantle’s backline in recent weeks, and his speed and composure will be valuable to Peel’s defence.
Michael Apeness returned from a broken collarbone suffered against Essendon in round 11 and kicked his first goal in the AFL. Fremantle will be keen to continue his football education with a string of games and he will provide a tall target down front for Peel.
Connor Blakely won the NAB Rising Star nomination for his performance in the round 11 win over Essendon and averages more than 20 disposals a game for Fremantle. His ability to find the football will provide Peel with plenty of forward drive.
Shane Yarran’s season stalled when he suffered a calf injury on debut for Peel in round one. The reigning Bernie Naylor Medallist has kicked six goals in his four games for Freo this season and will be a welcome inclusion at the Thunder.
Six to 10 games
Zac Clarke played his 100th game for Freo against Adelaide in round 21 and has averaged nearly 40 hitouts per game in the WAFL.
Ed Langdon was recruited for his speed and will offer good offensive pressure for Peel.
Tendai Mzungu has been averaging 25 disposals a game on the wing for Peel and his attack on the football doesn’t go unnoticed.
Darcy Tucker and Sam Collins played several games for Peel early in the season before injuries to Freo personnel gave them the opportunity at AFL level. Tucker is a clean ball user, while Collins’ closing speed makes him a threat at marking contests.
Clancee Pearce performed well across half-back for Freo before a concussion ruled him out for two weeks and has been averaging 25 touches a game for Peel.
Ethan Hughes has played nine games for Peel Thunder and the past two for Fremantle. His size and strength makes him a formidable one-on-one defender.
11 or more
Matt De Boer has been in imposing form for Peel in recent weeks, gathering 39 possessions against East Perth in round 20. His leadership around the contests will be important for the Thunder.
Anthony Morabito has managed some dominant performances for Peel this season, but has been struck down by injury a couple of times. The big backman averages 16 disposals per game in the WAFL.
Jack Hannath has led the ruck for Peel this season, averaging 25 hitouts per game and he has built a good partnership with De Boer around the contests.
Ryan Nyhuis returned from injury in Peel’s round 20 win over East Perth and was a welcome addition to the Thunder’s defensive unit.
Josh Deluca works extremely hard around the ground for Peel and has missed just three games this season. The small forward lays three tackles per game and will combine well with Ed Langdon to trap teams in Peel’s attacking half of the ground.
The injuries
Brady Grey, Tanner Smith and Matthew Uebergang have featured for Peel this season and would qualify for finals, but are ruled out through injury, though Smith could return in time for the finals.
