‘Mini-Derby’ clash one for the ages

Reserves: 8.30 

League ; 11.30 

Colts: 2.30 

ALREADY this Sunday’s Western Derby is being billed as the biggest clash between Fremantle and West Coast, and the same can be said for the crucial clash between Peel Thunder and East Perth at Bendigo Bank Stadium.

It is only fitting that the ‘mini Derby’ also carries huge finals ramifications, with Peel in third and East Perth in fourth.

Peel had never beaten East Perth more than twice in a season prior to 2015, but the Thunder’s recent dominance over last year’s Grand Finalists is sure to instil confidence ahead of a possible match-up in September.

In Round 12, the Thunder stormed home with seven goals to two, overrunning the Royals and securing a historic second win on the trot against their alignment rivals.

But this clash looms as the biggest of the year for both sides in the context of the finals series. West Coast-listed players Tom Barrass, Jamie Bennell, Kane Lucas and Brant Colledge have all been added to the Eagles’ squad for Sunday, while Connor Blakely again finds himself in the Dockers’ extended squad.

The Thunder also look set to blood a couple of young players, with draft hopeful Josh Schoenfeld among a bevy of young talent trying to break into Peel’s 22.

Schoenfeld was one of only seven WA players invited to the National Draft Combine in October, and the possibility of a league debut would do wonders for the young utility’s development. Zac Clarke returns to partner Jack Hannath in the ruck, while the extended squad includes Lachie Weller, returning after a two-game stint with the Dockers.

The Royals’ hopes rest with a strong on-ball division. Skippers Brendon Lee and Craig Wulff continue to put in strong seasons, ably supported by wingman Steve Payne and West Coast rookie Corey Adamson. Josh Bootsma played arguably his best game for the Thunder last week with 24 touches and 10 marks, and he will be tasked with curbing the influence of spring-heeled forward Tom Lamb. Both sides have quality and AFL experience on every line, and it promises to be an electric battle.

Peel has opened up its gates for Sunday, with free entry into the ground for the 11.40am bouncedown, so get down and support the Thunder!.