Peel Thunder will open the 2017 West Australian Football League season and the defence of its 2016 premiership with a blockbuster “mini-derby” clash against East Perth on Saturday, March 18.
The WAFL released its fixture for the coming season on Saturday, with the Fremantle Dockers and West Coast Eagles affiliate clubs scheduled to meet on a Saturday night in the first round.
The game will be broadcast live across the state on the Seven Network.
After winning a maiden flag in 2016, the Thunder will be out to duplicate the feat in the approaching season.
They will play their first four games split between Medibank Stadium and their home ground Bendigo Bank Stadium, kicking off their campaign on the road against the Royals before returning home for two consecutive weeks taking on East Fremantle and South Fremantle.
Round four, which will be held as the Fathering Project round, will see the Thunder take on Subiaco in a grand final re-match. It will be Peel’s second state-televised game within the first four weeks.
After a bye in round six, Peel will play East Perth again in round seven in the lead up to the AFL’s first Western Derby of the season, set to be the club’s third game on TV.
But despite winning some camera time, the Thunder face a brutal opening to the year.
They will face all four of their fellow 2016 finalists within the first five weeks of the year, with the remaining match to be played against East Fremantle who finished sixth and only just missed out on the post-season action.
West Australian Football Commission CEO Gavin Taylor said the 2017 fixture aimed to grow and enhance the WAFL competition by promoting competitive matches, supporting special feature rounds and offering prime-time television coverage.
“There were a significant number of variables considered in developing the fixture including fan feedback, club byes, feature rounds, achieving a home and away flow for each club, equalization measures and maximising broadcast opportunities on the 7 Network,” Mr Taylor said.
“The WAFL clubs do a terrific job with activities for fans and families at their games. The fans have a unique chance to get up close to the action, see some of WA’s best talent on display, listen to the coaches and enjoy a kick on the ground at the breaks.
“I would encourage anyone who has never been to a WAFL game before to head down this season or contact their local club about membership offers.”
Floating fixtures have been scheduled for rounds 18 – 23, set to be finalised mid-year based on team performance.
View the full fixture at wafl.com.au/games
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
