PEEL Thunder played the role of grim reaper and essentially ended South Fremantle’s WAFL Women’s finals dream with a 14-point victory in front of home fans at Lane Group Stadium. With a bye in Round 18, the seventh placed Thunder had one last chance to run out for season 2025, and in doing so avoided a bottom two finish.

While the game itself will have plenty of regrets for the Bulldogs who kicked nine behinds across the first three quarters before their first and only goal came early in the fourth term, the young Peel Thunder side was able to break through for its first win since Round 11, having suffered five straight losses since.

Off the back of five individual goalkickers, it was fitting that that last kick of the Thunder season was a Gracie Fenton major to make it 5.2 (32) to 1.12 (18) on the final siren. The young Thunder outfit did well to stand tall when South Fremantle drew within three points at the seven-minute mark of the fourth quarter thanks to an immediate response from Zoe Bailey.

Despite Alira Fotu looking the most likely threat up forward for the Bulldogs, the top-age National Academy member could only kick the five behinds from her 10 disposals and five touches, wiht Annalie Polimeno producing the breakthrough goal in the third minute of the final final.

Prior to that, Peel had overcome an inside 50 differential for Makinley Minchin, Lucy Kane and Chloe Wrigley to all convert majors. While the Thunder had kept South goalless to three quarter time, the margin still only stood at 10 points, and the Polimeno goal made it game on with 16 minutes to go.

However while the Thunder had nothing to lose and the Bulldogs had finals on the line, itwas the former that found a way to get the job done and hold on for a memorable win. The victory was Peel’s fourth for the season, and by defeating South Fremantle, ruled out any realistic hope South had of making finals.

For the Bulldogs to now make the post-season series, they must not only beat West Perth, but find 14 percentage points in order to catch the fourth placed East Fremantle in the last round of the season next weekend.

Wrigley (25 disposals, six marks, four tackles, four inside 50s and a goal) was a standout for the winners, while Ebony Dowson, Giaan Evans and Cassie Davidson provided important run and carry from the back half going forward. On the other wing to Davidson, young Charlie Fletcher had some huge moments, while Ebony Bilcich through the middle.

For South Fremantle, Tahleah Mulder (23 disposals, three marks, six tackles and six inside 50s) was the highest disposal winner, while defender Hunter Cronin (20 disposals, nine marks) repelled plenty of Peel attacks. Renee Morgan and former AFLW players Bailey Hunt and Tara Stribley were among the other players who impressed for the Bulldogs.

PEEL THUNDER 0.1 | 1.1 | 3.1 | 5.2 (32)
SOUTH FREMANTLE 0.2 | 0.5 | 0.9 | 1.12 (18)

GOALS:
Peel Thunder: C. Wrigley, G. Fenton, Z. Bailey, M. Minchin, L.Kane
South Fremantle: A. Polimeno

RMC BEST:
Peel Thunder: C. Wrigley, C. Davidson, C. Fletcher, E. Dowson, G. Evans
South Fremantle: H. Cronin, T. Mulder, B. Hunt, R. Morgan, T. Stribley

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Claremont proved too good for West Perth in a well-earned 10-point win at Revo Fitness Stadium. The Tigers kicked to a more efficient 15-point lead at three quarter time despite the same amount of scoring shots, and though the Falcons kicked a couple of consolation majors in the last five minutes, did too little, too late in the 5.6 (36) to 3.8 (26) loss.

Claremont’s famed midfield was sensational with Sarah Viney (23 disposals, four marks, 11 tackles) the top ball-winners, while youngster Juliet Kelly also returned from the national carnival to make an impact. Tigers forward Megan Green and her Falcons counterpart Lexi Strachan were the multiple goalkickers in the match with two apiece. Bottom-age ruck Cara Dziegielewski (17 disposals, 10 tackles, 30 hitouts and four inside 50s) also impressed in defeat.

Top team Subiaco crushed last placed East Perth with a 64-point win at Sullivan Logistics Stadium. Keeping East Perth to just one behind for the entire match, the Lions came away 10.5 (65) to 0.1 (1) victory. Lisa Steane (26 disposals, five marks, 10 tackles, six inside 50s and a goal) worked well between midfield attack with Olivia Wolmarans (12 disposals, five marks, three tackles and two goals). Lucy Greenwood (14 disposals, five tackles and four inside 50s) was busy for the Royals.

In the standalone Sunday game, Swan Districts further consolidated third spot with a 17-point win over Perth, 6.5 (41) to 3.6 (24). The Swans had Kayley King and Summer Yarran each kick a couple of majors, as midfield dynamo Carys D’Addario (23 disposals, four tackles and six inside 50s) made a successful return back off her MVP-winning performance for Western Australia. Meanwhile for Perth, co-captain Isabella Shannon (23 disposals, seven tackles, five inside 50s and a goal) was prolific once again.