TWO Peel Thunder recruits are hoping they can have an impact in their first season at the club.
Brayden Lawler and Mitch Gill will make the transition from local football last season to Western Australia’s top competition after catching the eye of Peel Thunder coach Cameron Shepherd.
Both players had represented Swans Districts at Colts level but had since returned to their local clubs.
Lawler, who turns 21 this year, hails from Carey Park in the South West Football League where he played his first League game at just 15.
The inside midfielder is a duel best and fairest winner at Carey Park and was voted the association’s Rising Star on two occasions.
Lawler’s offer to play for Peel Thunder was somewhat fortunate with Shepherd’s nephew playing for Carey Park.
“He [Shepherd’s nephew] said his uncle coaches Peel and wanted to give me a call,” Lawler said.
“I was stoked, I’m not even sure if he had come and watched any games or not.”
A carpenter by trade, Lawler will make the trip from Bunbury to Mandurah for training and games.
“I’m really enjoying how professional it is at Peel and hopefully I will be able to have a good year,” he said.
“It’s full on running and lot higher intensity but I think I have been fitting in alright.
“My aim is to play round one.”
A 191 centimetre utility, Mitch Gill played A-grade amateurs for Kalamunda last season where he vice captained the State Amateur under 23 side who lost to South Australia by 17 points.
“Four weeks to go in the season [with Kalamunda] Shepherd approached me and told what Peel’s about and what they are trying to do, which is to eventually win a grand final.
“I signed before the season ended.”
Gill, 20, said he was enjoying the challenge at Peel Thunder,” Gill said.
“I’m loving it; I didn’t think I would enjoy it this much,” he said.
“I’ve fitted in pretty well, the first six weeks not knowing anyone was a bit tough but now I know everyone.
“I want to play League this season and contribute and hopefully play finals.”
Gill played three season at Swan Districts in Colts but moved to Kalamunda after the 2013 season.
He said he broke his foot halfway through his last season with Swan Districts and didn’t get back to the fitness he wanted so returned to his junior club in 2014.
