SINCE winning back-to-back flags in a golden era for the club which saw a host of players land at AFLW level, Peel Thunder has been going through a rebuild, bringing in the next wave of talent. Lead by a couple of genuine star bottom-agers and some seriously talented teenagers in general, the Thunder are on the way back up the ladder.

LAST SEASON

Finished: 7th
Wins: 4
Losses: 12

Last season was a step in the right direction for the Thunder has finished seventh, eighth and seventh, though they did win four games last year which was the same amount as the previous two campaigns put together. They will likely be around the mark again, but have the potential to notch up another couple of wins given the experience boost.

OFF-SEASON RECRUITS

Last year the Thunder really lacked the firepower to finish off the work when going inside 50, so even when able to compete around the ball with other sides, often just could not boot a big enough score to take home the four points. Adding former league goalkicking superstar and ex-Eagle and Dog, Kate Bartlett to the mix is huge for the Mandurah side. She knows how to put them through the big sticks and is a nightmare matchup for any defender.

Peel has been known primarily for bringing through its local talent, but they still managed to coax Victorian Georgia Tait to the club. The 22-year-old most recently played with Carlton VFLW the last two seasons, racking up 13 games and playing as a mid/forward. Prior to that, Tait played in defence for the Northern Knights, showcasing her versatility. Speaking of versatility, the Thunder also welcomed in ex-Shark utility Nadya Browne who has League experience with the successful East Fremantle program.

TOP-AGE DRAFT CHANCES

The main AFLW Draft chance for the Thunder comes in the form of big-bodied defender/midfielder Heidi Ireland. She had a really consistent season last year playing a number of roles, and looks to have the shackles released in 2026 to provide some more run and carry off half-back in a bigger offensive role. She has the flexibility to suit up in any position and that will be a huge tick for the Thunder, and West Australian squad this year.

PRESEASON DRAFT HOPES

There’s not so many preseason draft hopes outside those who have come to the club such as Tait hoping to impress in a new environment. The bulk of the Thunder draftable talent lies in the future, which will be underlined in the next section. They do have a number of ex-AFLW players who could be called up to provide immediate relief for clubs if required.

OTHERS TO WATCH

It is hard to look past the strong midfield headlined by ex-Blue Chloe Wrigley, who alongside Ebony Bilcich and Gracie Fenton, know their way around a stoppage. Throw in Ireland and Tait, and they will not be pushed around, even winning their fair share of clearances. It will how they stack up defensively and are able to maximise Bartlett’s presence up forward that will be key.

The experience of tackling machine Krystal Carter and rebounding defenders and present and past leaders Ebony Dowson and Cassie Davidson ensures they will run a tight ship. These players are crucial for the development of young guns such as Charlie Fletcher and Tiama Collard who will only get better with more experience and loom as a couple of top-end talents to watch for next year. The inclusions of summer hub members Zaide Wilson, Tahlia Head and Maya Walsh from Rogers into senior squad potential players only further grows the depth.

PREDICTION

Peel Thunder looms as that side that could be a real thorn for the contending teams. They are still a little young to be stepping out on the premiership dais, but have enough tough inside midfielders, rock solid defenders and a proven goalkicking machine that sides can not afford to underestimate them. They likely land around the same spot as recent years, but they are very capable of moving up a spot or so given their injection of experience.