Peake boost for premiers

Bunbury’s premiership defence has received a massive boost with forward Brett Peake confirming he will play in 2018.

Peake was a revelation for the Bulldogs after joining the club from East Fremantle, booting 54 goals in 19 matches and playing a vital role in the grand final victory over Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault.

The former Fremantle and St Kilda midfielder also represented the South West Football League at the Landmark Championships, where he was named an All-Star after a fantastic campaign.

“I think he really enjoyed the culture of the club,” premiership coach Jamie Nani told the South Western Times.

“He is pretty good with the young kids as well.

“He always told me that he had two years of footy left in him.”

Nani said Bunbury were likely to lose Patrick Farrant to the WAFL or AFL next season, while Pike Medallist Aidan Clarke could head back to Swan Districts.

“Harry Creasey will also be at East Fremantle, so we will lose a couple of young guys,” he said.

“But there were some quality players who missed out in the grand final.”

Nani said the Bulldogs were looking at recruiting a full forward after premiership hero Matt Martin retired following the grand final victory.

“There are some kids in the colts who can go forward,” he said.

“But it (recruiting) is something we will definitely have to work on.”

Meanwhile, the Harvey Bulls have confirmed co-captain Darren Rumble has retired to concentrate on his role as the WA Football Commission’s wellbeing and development manager and an assistant coach for the WA under-18 team.