Peel Thunder sits a game clear on top of the WAFL ladder and a major reason for the club’s success this season has been the transition of Nathan Wilson from a defender to a forward.
Throughout much of his 155 game AFL career, Wilson played as a defender with the license to provide run from the half back line.
An inaugural player with Greater Western Sydney, Wilson played 77 games with the Giants from 2012-2017 before being traded to the Fremantle Dockers.
Wilson spent six seasons at the Dockers before his AFL career ended, prompting his full-time move to the Thunder.
”I’m loving it mate, and the boys have been looking after me which also helps,” Wilson said.
“It has been a big change but one I think has paid off.
“I’m loving life at the moment and my teammates have been fantastic, but obviously I’m missing some of my good friends at Fremantle.”
One of the surprise moves in the Round 1 Grand Final rematch with East Fremantle was the move of Wilson into the forward line, a switch which paid immediate dividends when he kicked five goals to guide the Thunder to victory.
The decision to change his role started with a discussion with his former coach.
“I had a chat with Geoff Valentine about the switch and when Adam Read took over this season, he was also supportive of the idea,” he said.
Wilson has kicked 22 goals this year, leaving him equal second behind West Perth’s Tyler Keitel in the race for the Bernie Naylor Medal.
Last weekend he booted two goals as Peel held off the Falcons by four points at Pentanet Stadium.
Wilson paid tribute to the club’s first year coach.
“Adam has been great to be honest as he has a good knowledge of the game and has been in the AFL system at the Dockers,” Wilson said.
Given Wilson’s experience, he’s happy to act as a mentor to the emerging stars at the Thunder, including highly touted draft prospect Bo Allan.
“He’s been fantastic, I played a few games earlier this year with him,” he said.
“I can see he’s a leader and a competitive beast, which hopefully will be recognized by AFL clubs.”
The 31-year-old has his eyes on claiming this year’s flag after the club fell at the final hurdle in the 2023 Grand Final against the Sharks.
As for comparing life as a defender to his new role in attack, Wilson’s response is not surprising.
“Defence has its challenges but in saying that if we don’t kick goals, we lose the game so I’m going to say being a backman is easier!”
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