SWAN Districts are back on the winner’s list – albeit only just – after fighting past a determined Peel Thunder to win 5.7 (37) to 4.6 (30). The Swans’ first goal did not come until late in the second second, but booted five of the next six goals to set up the low-scoring victory at Lane Group Stadium.

For yet another week, Peel Thunder could consider themselves dreadfully unlucky, having started strong with the first two goals, and fought hard to remain in the contest throughout four quarters. However the turning point came at the 15-minute mark of the third quarter where Swan Districts had hit the front earlier in that term.

A brilliant set play from Fremantle-listed Evie Parker down to Under 16s talent Tiama Collard at a forward stoppage appeared to sail through the goals. However it was immediately called touched off the boot by the goal umpire, and after a conversation with the field umpire, that decision was upheld. Tragically for the home team, Swan Districts raced it up the other end for Courtney Zappara to mark and goal, and just two minutes later, Kayley King slotted her second to make it a 13-point margin at the final break.

Another Dockers listed player in Matilda Banfield did get on the board early in the fourth to give Peel a sniff, though a clever snap from Emily McGuire snuffed out any real chance of a comeback given how valuable each goal was at that stage. The Thunder would not die wondering though as Parker kicked her first WAFLW goal in just her second game following an end-to-head play from the home team.

Then came a couple more unlucky moments for Peel with a long kick in the 17th minute looking to bounce up perfectly in a one-on-one duel for the Thunder forward but instead went into the post to put it back to seven points. In the dying moments of the match, Charlie Fletcher looked to have produced a perfect run-down just 30m out from goal, but a stoppage was called instead and the siren sounded 30 seconds later to signify a Swan Districts win.

Take nothing away from the black and whites who simply made more of their opportunities and Peel, just lacking that forward potency that its more experienced opponents had, ultimately cost the Thunder. Still, after kicking five behinds in the first 35 minutes, Swan Districts kicked four goals in the next 23 to build that impressive lead that got as much as 14 early in the final term.

Carys D’Addario (30 disposals, seven marks, eight tackles and five inside 50s) and Jaime Henry (18 disposals, six marks, 11 tackles, four inside 50s) were huge in midfield as King (15 disposals, four tackles and two goals) contributed on the scoreboard. In defence, Isabella Edgley (31 disposals, four marks, five tackles and two inside 50s) had the ball on a string, while former Peel tuck Lauren Quaife (12 disposals, 31 hitouts) was productive once again.

For Peel Thunder, Chloe Wrigley (23 disposals, four marks, 12 tackles and four inside 50s) was great defensively, while Holly Bilcich (21 disposals, three marks, two tackles, three inside 50s and 1.2) played her best game for the Thunder largely in the attacking half. Fletcher (16 disposals, six tackles and six inside 50s) continued to provide plenty of run, while Heidi Ireland (14 disposals, six tackles) stood up in the absence of fellow State Academy member, Evie Cowcher.

PEEL THUNDER 2.2 | 2.4 | 2.5 | 4.6 (30)
SWAN DISTRICTS 0.0 | 1.5 | 4.6 | 5.7 (37)

GOALS:
Peel Thunder: H. Bilcich, M. Banfield, A. Norris, E. Parker
Swan Districts: K. King 2, C. Zappara, T. Edwards, E. McGuire

RMC BEST:
Peel Thunder: H. Bilcich, H. Ireland, C. Fletcher, C. Wrigley, M. Banfield
Swan Districts: C. D’Addario, I. Edgley, J. Henry, K. King, L. Quaife

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Claremont won the battle of the undefeated sides by edging out South Fremantle, 7.5 (47) to 4.1 (25) at Revo Fitness Stadium. The Tigers kept the Bulldogs scoreless in the first term and did all the hard work through the first three quarters. Sasha Goranova (22 disposals, five marks and nine tackles) and Sarah Viney (19 disposals, six tackles and two goals) were strong for the winners, while Poppy Stockwell kicked three majors from 17 disposals and six marks in another big day out.

Subiaco became the first side to reach four straight wins in the 2025 season by seeing off East Fremantle. The Lions had 14 scoring shots to five, and while they did not always make the most of it, came away with the 4.10 (34) to 3.2 (20) victory.

West Coast star Dana Hooker made a successful return for the winners with 23 disposals, six marks, seven tackles and a goal, while her fellow AFLW experienced teammates such as Krstel Petrevski, Paige Sheppard, Lisa Steane and Maggie MacLachlan were all instrumental. East Fremantle defenders Madison Evans and Maya Louvel-Finn tried hard for the Sharks.

East Perth secured its first win of the 2025 season with a well-earned 6.6 (42) to 5.3 (33) victory against newcomers Perth. The Royals lead by 28 points at the final break, and though the Demons gave them a scare by kicking the last three goals of the match, it would not be enough. Jess Verbrugge and Summer Mollross were among the better Royals, while Fina Dethlefsen booted three of Perth’s five goals as Isabella Shannon was back to her best in her second game for the Demons.