The WAFL Eagles kept their season alive with a crucial nine-point win over ladder leaders Peel Thunder in Mandurah on Saturday, prevailing 14.7 (91) to 11.16 (82) in a do-or-die clash.

“The game was an exciting spectacle, featuring multiple momentum swings throughout,” coach Kyal Horlsey said.

“To the group's credit, we came out on top and held on for a hard-fought nine-point victory.”

“Three things stood out to me. First was our relentless pressure. The playing group consistently took away Peel's time and space, suffocating their ball movement every time they gained possession.

“Secondly, our ability to bring teammates into the game allowed us to transition the ball from our back half to our forward half with some electrifying passages of play.

“Finally, the spirit in which the group played and the connection they showed throughout the contest was outstanding.”

Top 3

Sandy Brock

Sandy saved the day on multiple occasions. His speed and ability to get back for goal saving spoils were a highlight and lifted the entire team. Coupled with the drive he provided out of the backline, his performance was a standout on the ground.

Fin Macrae

Fin was a class above with ball in hand and consistently made those around him better. He finished with a team high eight score involvements, seven clearances and 31 disposals. Fin played above the level all game and was influential from start to finish.

Ryan Maric

Ryan’s work rate, both offensively and defensively, stood out. Saving a goal on the line and then, in the same passage of play, delivering the ball inside 50 highlighted his elite transition running. His class with ball in hand was there for all to see.

AFL Listed Players

Clay Hall

Clay backed up his best on ground performance against Subiaco with another really strong display. His six clearances and seven tackles showcased his toughness on the inside, while 11 handball receives and six score involvements were a reward for his elite transition work on the outside.

Matt Flynn

Matt continued his outstanding run of form. He was again the dominant big man on the ground, providing first use to our midfield while also challenging the opposition both offensively and defensively.

Lucca Grego

Lucca worked tirelessly all game and stood tall whenever Peel gained momentum. He broke up multiple forward thrusts and didn't waste a disposal, finishing with a perfect 100 per cent disposal efficiency.

Tyrell Dewar

Tyrell consistently challenged Peel's defence with his work rate and speed. He was damaging every time he became involved and continually created problems for the opposition.

Malakai Champion

Malakai’s ability to hold his balance and maintain defensive shape was crucial to the team's pressure. When he won possession good things happened. He finished with two goals and six score involvements in an impressive performance.

Fred Rodriguez

Fred played as an inside midfielder and competed strongly against an experienced Peel midfield. His game awareness and football IQ came to the fore in several critical moments throughout the contest.

Harvey Johnston

Harvey applied relentless pressure in the forward half, finishing with six tackles, four of them inside our attacking 50. Like all quality small forwards, he seized his opportunities and finished with two goals.

Harry Barnett

Harry competed strongly in the air, taking three contested marks and not losing an aerial contest. His ground level work was also a standout, and he was rewarded with three goals.

Harry Schoenberg

Harry put the team on his back at key moments and set the tone for everyone around him. His 10 fierce tackles, seven clearances, eight score involvements and a goal reflected a player who simply refused to lose. His will to win was evident throughout.

Jack Hutchinson

Jack returned from injury and immediately made his presence felt. He crashed packs, laid massive tackles and set the tone with his physicality and intent.

Matt Owies

Matt played only 19 minutes of football but looked set for a huge day. He kicked 1.1 at a time when our inside 50 opportunities were limited and showed encouraging signs before leaving the game.