An undermanned Peel Thunder have registered a brave win over Perth, defeating the Demons by 15 points at Mineral Resources Park on Saturday afternoon.
Five Fremantle listed players lined up for Peel, a lower number than usual with the extended AFL squad currently based in Queensland.
Midfielder Luke Valente continued to build match fitness in his third game back from a preseason calf injury, finishing with 23 disposals.
Valente said he was happy to be playing a string of consistent football after a long lay off.
See how the Freo players fared: Click here for WAFL stats
“It’s been fine for a while now, so I’ve just been building through a few minutes,” Valente said.
“The last few weeks have just been about getting my body right, and getting some games back into me.
“It’s been good to play a couple of back-to-back full games now.”
Key forward Josh Treacy finished with a goal and provided valuable support in the ruck, chipping in with 14 hitouts.
“He’s one of my favourite players to play with,” Valente said.
“He’s just really reliable, you know what you’re going to get from him out there and he really provides a contest.”
Brett Bewley’s comeback from a long-term groin injury continued strongly, with the hard running winger recording 24 disposals.
Young defender Nathan O’Driscoll provided strong rebound off the half back line, finishing with 16 disposals.
Valente said he was impressed with the 18 year old’s courage.
“He was really tough back there,” Valente said.
“It was quite a young backline as well, so he really stood up and had some really courageous spoils at the end of the game.”
The clash also marked an important day for Next Generation Academy graduate Brandon Walker, who made his WAFL league debut.
After the WAFL state game bye this weekend, Peel will be back home at David Grays Arena on Saturday 22 May to take on West Perth.
