Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Peel Thunder vs East Perth Royals turned into a one-sided WAFL statement as Sean Darcy helped Peel Thunder Football Club thrash East Perth Football Club 23.4 (142) to 6.8 (44) at Lane Group Stadium on Saturday.

Darcy was one of 15 Fremantle Dockers players in Peel Thunder’s side and pressed his case for an AFL recall with 17 disposals, 16 hitouts, six marks and two goals. The result mattered because Peel Thunder and Fremantle Dockers now sit on top of their respective ladders at the same time, with Peel winning six straight.

For more AFL coverage, read Carlton vs GWS Giants: Blues Keep Finals Push Alive Under Josh Fraser, while official WAFL fixtures and results are available through the West Australian Football League website.

Darcy And Sharp Lead Peel Thunder

Darcy made an early mark with two first-quarter goals, including a long set shot from outside 50m against former Fremantle Dockers teammate Scott Jones.

Jeremy Sharp also pushed hard for a senior return with a game-high 33 disposals, 10 marks and two goals. Lachlan Tardrew added 29 disposals, 11 marks and a goal, while young key forward Charlie Nicholls kicked three goals.

Peel Thunder overwhelmed East Perth Royals from the opening term, winning the territory battle with 21 inside 50s to seven.

East Perth Royals Struggle Early

East Perth Football Club were without co-captains Hamish Brayshaw and Christian Ameduri, and they never found steady footing.

Kade Screaigh kicked East Perth’s first goal with seven seconds left in the first quarter, preventing a scoreless opening term. Royals defender Ethan Regan then suffered a knee injury in the first minute of the second quarter.

Luke Foley had 21 disposals and eight marks, Angus Scott finished with 24 disposals and a goal, and Jones battled for 15 disposals and 17 hitouts.

Peel Thunder reached 80 points by halftime, their highest halftime score against East Perth Royals. Fifteen of Peel’s 23 players kicked a goal, with seven players scoring multiple majors.