2025 WAFL season review: Peel ThunderMonday, October 20, 2025 - 12:12 PM

Peel Thunder’s premiership defence never really took off as injuries to key personnel and off-season exits took their toll. 

Adam Read had a dream first campaign in charge of the Thunder, leading the club to its third premiership. 

But things didn’t go to plan this year with a large injury-list - headlined by a season-ending knee injury to captain Ben Hancock - and patchy form. 

There was a lot of experience Peel struggled to cover with former Docker Nathan Wilson retiring after last season’s premiership, champion forward Blair Bell hanging up the boots in April, tough nut Brady Grey heading east for work and young gun Michael Sellwood getting picked up by Western Bulldogs in the AFL Mid-Season Draft.

Athletic winger Archie Caldow was an impressive addition after crossing from country Victoria in a bid to boost his AFL draft hopes. 

Midfielder Scott Tuia took another step forward in his development, swingman Jack Sears did his bit as stand-in skipper in Hancock’s absence, Tristan Bryce showed plenty in the back half and Traye Bennell was as consistent as ever and an important leader. 

Small forward Kyelan Sanders showed he’s one to watch in the seniors with several eye-catching performances after breaking through for his league debut early in the season, while WA under-18s representative Will York had some good moments. 

Sanders finished with 12 goals in 11 senior appearances including two bags of three in the last three games. 

The 18-year-old saved his best performance for last, booting 3.5 from 13 disposals and seven marks as the Thunder finished their season on a high with a 54-point win over Swan Districts at Lane Group Stadium in Mandurah. 

From an AFL-listed point of view, ruckman Liam Reidy and midfielder Will Brodie were the standouts, as was Quinton Narkle before his late-season retirement, while Isiah Dudley and Jack Delean had some big games.

Hancock’s return in 2026 will no doubt help the Thunder’s cause of challenging for finals once again, but a lot will depend on Fremantle’s off-season player movement and availability of AFL-listed players as they look to improve on their sixth-placed finish and 7-10-1 record. 

Ex Docker turned Blue Liam Reidy’s strong form was recognised with the giant ruckman named the Tuckey Medallist for 2025.