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WAFL 2026: Peel Thunder claim premiership with thumping win over Claremont

Headshot of Aaron Kirby
Aaron KirbyThe West Australian
Peel Thunder are premiers.
Camera IconPeel Thunder are premiers. Credit: Supplied

Peel Thunder has delivered a premiership in emphatic style with a monster win over Claremont at Optus Stadium.

The minor premiers got a jump from the start and despite an improved second half, the Tigers just couldn’t find their form.

Recap all the action below.

That’s a wrap

Another WAFL season comes to an end and Peel Thunder have a fourth flag.

It was a year of close games and a close-run ladder that will live long in the memories of fans around the league.

Perth produced their best season since 1997 before their finals exit while East Perth fought all the way to the prelim despite a big injury list.

West Perth struggled but Swan Districts made gains as South Fremantle and Claremont remain a force with Subiaco coming up behind them.

But until next year, farewell!

Celebrations!

Some pics of the celebrations courtesy of Adam Crane.

Peel celebrate.
Camera IconPeel celebrate. Credit: Supplied
Peel celebrate.
Camera IconPeel celebrate. Credit: Supplied
Peel celebrate.
Camera IconPeel celebrate. Credit: Supplied
Peel celebrate.
Camera IconPeel celebrate. Credit: Supplied

On the bus

A few of the Dockers who were watching from the stands have jumped back onto the bus ready for the Peel boys.

The celebrations will be a touch muted given the week but they were up and about.

Different celebrations

How hard will the Thunder go in enjoying this win across the coming days?

Not hard at all, according to Sean Darcy - given the all-of-squad mentality that’s been big at Freo / Peel.

“We’re off the piss,” the ruckman confirms on Seven.

The Thunder players don’t even have that long to savour the win out on the ground, with the colts grand final set to begin in less than 20 minutes under the new format of grand final day.

Heavy medal

What a year it’s been for Jeremy Sharp!

Second in the Sandover and now first in the Simpson while also donning a WAFL premiership medal around his neck.

Flag unfurled

The teal and blue fireworks go off as the Peel players jump into the photos with the flag and cup.

A pretty happy group to say the least.

Skipper’s call

Jack Sears gives his condolences to Claremont and labels them the “bench-mark” they looked towards.

His message to the playing group was met with cheers and the Peel boys look about ready to erupt.

Just the start

Peel and the Dockers will be hoping this is the curtain raiser on a historic week as the club build up for the AFL grand final.

There’s no doubts the vibes will be high from the boys who won a WAFL flag today and the Dockers who are watching on from the stands today will be salivating over their chances next weekend.

SIMPSON MEDAL

He missed out on the Sandover in a boilover but Jeremy Sharp will be happy with a Simpson Medal to hang with his premiership medallion.

He won the gong with eight votes for his 27 disposals and a goal.

Jeremy Sharp.
Camera IconJeremy Sharp. Credit: Supplied

Good record

Eight of the past nine WAFL deciders have now been won by the minor premier.

The only team to win it from below first? Peel Thunder when they knocked off East Perth in 2024.

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