West Coast snapped Peel Thunder’s 11-game winning streak and kept their WAFL finals dream alive with a gutsy nine-point victory at Lane Group Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Facing the competition leaders in perfect conditions and needing a win to stay in touch with the top five, the Eagles overcame an early deficit to claim a hard-fought 14.7 (91) to 11.16 (82) triumph, their first victory over Peel since 2019.
The Thunder burst out of the blocks through Charlie Nicholls, Jacob Hewitt and Dustin Walters, opening up a 19-point lead early in the first quarter as they looked to secure the minor premiership.
Matt Owies settled the Eagles with their opening goal before Harvey Johnston added another, but Peel continued to control territory and momentum.
Nicholls was a constant threat inside 50, booting three first-quarter goals as the Thunder carried an 18-point advantage into the opening break.
West Coast responded strongly in the second term, led by returning forward Jack Hutchinson and a midfield group beginning to gain ascendancy around the contest.
Harry Barnett sparked the fightback with the first goal of the quarter before Tyrell Dewar and Malakai Champion followed up with majors of their own, reducing the margin to just five points.
Each time the Eagles threatened, Peel found an answer through Tobyn Murray, but the visitors kept coming.
Barnett's second goal and a clever finish from Caleb Datson capped off an impressive quarter as West Coast erased the deficit and levelled the scores by half-time.
The arm wrestle continued after the main break. Champion kicked his second goal to hand the Eagles their first lead of the afternoon before Peel regained the advantage through Josh Mathey.
Johnston answered with his second major and West Coast began to build momentum through the midfield.
Clay Hall was influential against his former club, repeatedly winning contested possessions and driving the ball forward, while Matt Flynn gave his midfielders first use with another dominant display in the ruck.
Barnett booted his third goal before Sasha Kernutt added another as the Eagles opened up a 16-point lead late in the quarter. Peel responded with two crucial goals before the final siren, trimming the deficit to a solitary point and setting up a grandstand finish.
With their season on the line, West Coast delivered in the final term. The Eagles slammed on three unanswered goals to seize control and establish a 19-point buffer.
Walters kicked his second goal to keep Peel in touch, and the Thunder continued to launch attacks inside 50 during a frantic final few minutes.
Despite the relentless pressure, West Coast's defence held firm as the Eagles closed out a memorable victory and dealt Peel its first defeat since May.
Fin Macrae was once again outstanding, gathering 31 disposals in another polished performance, while Harry Schoenberg accumulated 23 disposals and seven inside 50s and added a final-quarter goal.
Hall produced one of his best games, collecting 25 disposals, while Flynn continued his excellent form with 40 hit-outs and a commanding presence around stoppages.
For Peel, Jeremy Sharp was prolific with 33 disposals and six tackles, while Nicholls starred with four goals and Toby Whan collected 25 disposals.
The Eagles play Claremont in the final round of the home-and-away season at Mineral Resources Park from 3.20pm on Saturday.
PEEL THUNDER: 5.4, 7.6, 10.11, 11.16 (82)
WEST COAST: 2.4, 7.6, 11.6, 14.7 (91)
GOALS
Peel Thunder: Nicholls 4, Murray 2, Walters 2, Mathey, Carr, Hewitt
West Coast: Barnett 3, Champion 2, Datson 2, Johnston 2, Owies, Dewar, Kernutt, Maric, Schoenberg
BEST
Peel Thunder: Whan, Nicholls, Sharp, Tardrew, Davies
West Coast: Macrae, Barnett, Flynn, Hall, Schoenberg, Hutchinson
