Peel Thunder’s journey in the WAFL has been nothing short of a roller-coaster ride. From their modest beginnings, the club has fought through years of hardship and numerous setbacks.
Humble Beginnings
Starting out in 1997, Peel Thunder faced a challenging initiation to the world of WAFL. The club’s inaugural coach, Geoff Miles, and captain, Phil Gilbert, led the team through a gruelling first season that saw them claim just one victory. A trend that persisted for their first three seasons.
Struggles and Challenges
The new millennium brought with it a series of struggles for the club. In 2011, Peel Thunder was hit with a hefty fine for salary cap breaches, a setback that was followed by years of failing to reach the finals. Despite their best efforts, the club found itself consistently at the bottom of the ladder, earning the dubious honor of nine wooden spoons between 1997 and 2014.
The Fremantle Partnership
A turning point in their fortunes came in 2014 when they aligned with the Fremantle Dockers. This arrangement saw a significant boost to their squad strength, as reserve players from Fremantle’s AFL team were drafted into the Thunder. The partnership bore fruit in 2015 when Peel Thunder qualified for the finals for the first time in their history.
A Taste of Success
Despite the initial stumble in their first finals appearance, the club showed resilience, bouncing back in 2016. Thanks to Fremantle’s absence from the AFL finals, Peel Thunder had an influx of players for their campaign. This turned out to be the boost they needed, and the Thunder stormed their way to their first-ever WAFL grand final. They clinched the title with a 23-point victory over Subiaco, marking the beginning of a new era.
A Bright Future
Peel Thunder’s story is still being written. The club’s senior women’s team also had their moment in the sun, winning their first premiership in the 2020 WAFL Women’s competition. The journey of Peel Thunder serves as a testament to their grit and determination, and the club stands today as a beacon of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.
