Peel Thunder is no lock to make the WAFL finals, but if they win either of their remaining two games against Subiaco and Claremont, they could be boosted by a number of Fremantle-listed players in a finals campaign.
A total of 18 Fremantle players have qualified to play finals for the Thunder, but two of them (Brady Grey and Matthew Uebergang) will miss due to season-ending injuries.
That leaves 16 Fremantle players that could potentially suit up for Peel Thunder in the finals.
Alex Silvagni, Michael Apeness, Connor Blakely and Shane Yarran have all played five games for Peel, the minimal amount to qualify them for finals.
Blakely looms as the most significant of those players. His ability to break open packs and collect plenty of footy has helped Peel in the past.
Silvagni would be a force in defence, especially against the likes of Hamish Shepheard (Subiaco) and Ben Saunders (South Fremantle) who Peel could meet in the finals.
Apeness and Yarran would both provide goal-kicking options for the Thunder.
Zac Clarke, Ed Langdon, Tendai Mzungu, Darcy Tucker, Clancee Pearce and Ethan Hughes have all played between six and ten games for Peel this season.
Clarke has been dynamite in the ruck when he’s donned Peel’s jersey, while Langdon broke out for five goals when the Thunder played South Fremantle in round 13.
Matt de Boer, Anthony Morabito, Jack Hannath, Ryan Nyhuis, Josh Deluca and Tanner Smith all played 11 or more games for Peel this season.
De Boer has easily made the biggest impact for Peel, averaging just a shade under 30 disposals a game. Tanner Smith will return from an injury to help the big stocks, while Morabito has been building for the Thunder.
But despite the bundle of AFL talent ready to help Peel, their locals will be counted on heavily.
Blair Bell has had a solid season returning from time away from football, while Gerald Ugle and Bradley Walsh have been impressive.
Rory O’Brien has been the standout with a number of prolific showings.
If the Thunder can beat Subiaco this Saturday, they will cement their spot in the finals.
Full list of Fremantle talent qualified for WAFL finals;
- Alex Silvagni
- Michael Apeness
- Connor Blakely
- Shane Yarran
- Zac Clarke
- Ed Langdon
- Tendai Mzungu
- Darcy Tucker
- Clancee Pearce
- Ethan Hughes
- Matt de Boer
- Anthony Morabito
- Jack Hannath
- Ryan Nyhuis
- Josh Deluca
- Tanner Smith