MUCH has been made of Peel Thunder’s alignment with the Fremantle Dockers since it began in 2014.
A number of arm-chair critics have taken aim at the affiliation, proclaiming the Thunder now lack avenues for young talent due to the influx of Dockers.
But it would appear the Thunder are proving the doubters and critics wrong, game by game.
Over the weekend, Peel defeated East Fremantle with four debutants in their 22.
Bradley McGowan was the most impressive of the first-gamers, finishing with 13 touches and two goals.
But Keegan Power (15 disposals, five tackles), Michael Humble (13 disposals) and Richard Wight (seven disposals) all had an influence.
The four debutants are not the only young talents to impress for Peel this season.
Brayden Lawler played round one of the season in the reserves, but has since become a regular fixture in the league squad.
The 21-year-old South West Football League product is averaging 16.3 disposals per game and his versatility helps him play a number of positions.
The 22-year-old Blair Bell is another who continues to grow with each game while 19-year-old Karl Collard has shown glimpses in his two league games this year.
The Thunder fielded just nine Fremantle-listed players in their 26-point win over the third-placed East Fremantle.
In contrast, East Perth fielded 14 West Coast-listed players but suffered a 99-point drubbing by the second-placed Subiaco Lions.
Thunder coach Cam Shepherd praised his side’s senior and junior leadership after the win.
“The senior guys led the way, but the junior blokes really stepped up against East Freo,” he said.
“The young guys coming through are getting more and more confident.”
The Thunder might be on the wrong end of a few results this season, but slowly and surely, they are silencing their critics.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
