WAFL Grand Final teams: Four ins for Cox-less Peel as Claremont remain unchanged

Minor premiers Peel Thunder have made four changes for Sunday’s Sullivan Logistics WAFL decider against Claremont at Optus Stadium as they hunt their second premiership in three years.

The Thunder have welcomed back AFL-listed pair – winger Nathan O’Driscoll and defender Brandon Walker – from Dockers duties, while key forward Corey Tregenza has been included after recovering from an ankle injury.

Both O’Driscoll and Walker played in Fremantle’s Qualifying Final loss to Hawthorn, with Walker injuring his ankle and O’Driscoll getting dropped.

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Tough nut Tristan Bryce is another big inclusion, returning for his first senior appearance since Round 11 after a long-term hamstring injury.

Bryce featured for the Thunder’s Reserves in the first week of finals, while 2024 premiership star Tregenza hasn’t played in the seniors since Round 17.

Key defender Brennan Cox has not been named, despite speculation during the week that he would return from a hamstring injury for the Thunder as the Dockers prepare for just their second AFL Grand Final in their history next Saturday at the MCG.

“We want to give all our players the best week of preparation to be available for selection for next Saturday’s game,” Fremantle’s Executive General Manager of Football Joe Brierty said.

“We believe withdrawing Brennan and giving him a solid training session today, rather than playing tomorrow, is the right call for Brennan and the Club.”

Ruck Sean Darcy will play after recovering from a minor knee issue which saw him ruled out of the Dockers selection for last Friday night’s First Semi Final win over Geelong at Optus Stadium.

Darcy will go up against dominant Claremont big man Oliver Eastland, coming off a best-on-ground performance in last Sunday’s thrilling Preliminary Final victory over East Perth at Revo Fitness Stadium.

Judd McVee, Corey Wagner (AFL selection), Sean Hunter (arm injury) and Dustin Walters (omitted) were the four outs for the Thunder.

Claremont have gone in unchanged after a thrilling eight-point win over the Royals.

Team selection was delayed until 10am on Saturday morning due to the Dockers’ Friday night Preliminary Final against Sydney, as approved by WA Football and Claremont Football Club during the week.