AFTER a sustained successful period that resulted in a host of players getting drafted, Peel Thunder is rebuilding with a focus on youth coming through the pathway. It saw the Thunder drop down to take out the wooden spoon with just one win to their name last year, and while 2025 might loom as a tough one on the scoreboard, preparing for long-term success is the key.

LAST SEASON: 8th
2025 PREDICTION: 8th-9th

Peel Thunder are firmly in a rebuilding phase through the club’s youth, which is an approach they took before winning the 2020 and 2021 flags. The only side other than Claremont and East Fremantle to win WAFL Women’s premierships since the competition was established in 2019, Peel will be in year two of a rebuild which sees plenty of young talent gather vital experience.

STATE ACADEMY MEMBERS (TOP-AGE)

Comments by West Australian Female Talent Manager Trent Cooper

Evie Cowcher
Tall Defender | 173cm | 03/08/2007

“Evie’s going along really well. She’s really dedicated to improving which when you’ve been WA’s MVP two years in a row, some players might take the foot off, but she’s really dedicated to improving. She’s working on her contest work and her endurance as well which is really coming along well so I’m sure she’ll have another great year.”

OTHERS:

Heidi Ireland (Bottom-age)
Mia Pedrana (Bottom-age)

KEY PLAYERS

Ebony Dowson
Defender | 168cm | 06/02/1990

‘Chip’ Dowson has been as consistent of a performer as anyone over the years through the WAFL Women’s and will lead the Thunder throughout the 2025 campaign. Constantly providing support for a young defensive unit, Dowson will enjoy having Davidson back, while also remaining vigilant in her approach both offensively an defensively off half-back.

Cassie Davidson
Defender | 166cm | 06/10/1996

After a couple of seasons in Victoria playing with Box Hill, Davidson makes her long-awaited return with the former captain straight into the leadership to add much needed experience to a young playing group. She will steady the ship alongside Dowson and Cowcher behind the ball, and is a rock with her consistency.

Chloe Wrigley
Midfielder | 165cm | 13/01/2000

Following a stint with Carlton in the AFLW then returning via East Fremantle, Wrigley is back in Mandurah to be the key onballer for Peel once again. Though a very different look to when she left the club, Wrigley will add further knowledge from those experiences, and be a prominent ball-winner and pressure player through the middle.

ROUND 1

vs. Perth
Saturday March 29, 5:10pm
Lane Group Stadium