AFLW Promotion for Talented Trio Tests Peel’s Depth

For the first time since 2020 Peel Thunder doesn’t carry the mantle of reigning premiers heading into a new season.

Finishing third last year was a disappointment for Thunder coach Steve Markham, but he points to extenuating circumstances.

“2022 was frustrating because of Covid and we struggled to settle the side down with 5 or 6 changes a week.

Our best football was as good as anyone but consistency let us down, so to finish third on the ladder with limited players available was a decent result.

The final we played against Swans was a cracker and much like our season we didn’t quite get the job done and losing Kate Bartlett just before the finals was a massive loss.

But we also had some huge positives with the emergence of Joria Haines, Arianne Norris, Lara Thomas and Ciera O’Donnell playing regular WAFLW matches as underage players,” Markham said.

Peel will enter 2023 season lacking experience, but not enthusiasm.

“Our players have been training hard and are committed to the program.

We’re a young side and I’m excited about how the group is progressing.

We had a big off season trying to recruit some experience after a big turnover of players, but because we didn’t secure as many as we would have liked we’ll focus on developing talent,” he said.

The departure of some Premiership players at the Thunder can’t be underestimated.

“We lose Ella Roberts, Kate Bartlett and Jaide Britton to the AFLW.

Whitney Benson has retired, while Lauren Quaiffe has moved to the city and a few others are having the year off.

On the upside, Abby Barnden has returned after a year away and is training the house down, Evie Cowcher has come through the Rogers Cup and looks ready for the WAFLW.

First year underage players who’ll also press for selection are Bridey Jackman, Emma Grundy and Chelsea Hutchinson,” he said.

The WAFLW is an 8 team competition in 2023, and the highly regarded women’s coach has welcomed the move.

“I’m excited to see East Perth’s introduction and we have an even number of teams so we play each other twice.

I believe it’ll be a close season with West Perth and South Fremantle recruiting strongly making the race for the finals red hot.”

As a dual Premiership coach, Markham faces the biggest challenge of his career at Peel.

“The hunger and drive are still there and the players who’ve tasted success want to get back to the top again.

With the enthusiasm of the younger players to make a mark in the competition, we’re in a good place,” Markham said.

Peel's opening match of the season is against Swan Districts on Saturday March 11.