A week after helping Peel Thunder to their first ever WAFL grand final win against Subiaco, Brayden Lawler claims the surreal feeling is beginning to sink in.
The premiership player described the feeling as completely unbelievable at first, but said he was beginning to grasp being part of Peel’s inaugural premiership-winning 22.
“It’s a huge feeling. When the siren first went I guess it was mainly relief, I didn’t really know what to think,” he said.
“We knew it had been noted that Peel had never won a final before, so to be a part of the first premiership side is something special.”
The former South West Football League gun began his WAFL career with the Thunder in 2015.
His tackling and pressure on the ball carrier soon became his trademark as he quickly cemented his spot in the league line-up.
Now the hands-on half forward has carved out a name for himself in Peel Thunder’s history books.
“It makes it a little extra special to be part of the club’s very first flag and to be able to enjoy it with a great bunch of players,” he said.
“I’ve got a lot of messages from friends at home and we’ve had plenty of people get behind us which is awesome.”
This year saw Lawler’s football improve dramatically, as he made strides in both collecting the football and affecting the scoreboard.
In 2015, he averaged 12 disposals and booted four goals compared to his 14 disposals per game and 11 goals in 2016.
While the statistic rises appear modest, Lawler said he felt more comfortable in year two of his WAFL career.
“My footy has definitely developed. Cam (Shepherd) is a great coach and he really lets you know where you stand, which I think is great for my footy,” he said.
The hands-on half forward started his 2016 in Peel’s reserves side after an interrupted pre-season, but he quickly impressed in the seconds and was chosen for a league berth after just one match.
Lawler played well enough to maintain his spot in the league side throughout the finals series despite Peel fielding 17 Fremantle-listed players.
“I think I just found my role in the side as a pressure forward, a spot which really suits the way I like to play,” he said.
“I’m pretty happy to be able to give the team something like that and to do it in a grand final was huge for me.”
Lawler was one of three players to finish in double figures for tackles in Peel’s win over Subiaco, amassing 10 to go with his 12 disposals and one behind.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
