WAFL 2026 Grand Final: Peel Thunder recall forward Corey Tregenza as one of four changes, Claremont unchanged

Peel Thunder have rolled the dice at the selection table, naming Corey Tregenza for the grand final against Claremont despite the premiership forward not having played in more than seven weeks.

The Thunder have made four changes to the side that beat the Tigers in the second semifinal in Mandurah a fortnight ago as they look to claim a fourth premiership in club history at Optus Stadium on Sunday.

Tregenza, as well as Fremantle-listed stars Brandon Walker and Nathan O’Driscoll, have been added to the 23 alongside Tristan Bryce for the enormous clash.

Claremont have gone in with an unchanged line-up which held off an in-form East Perth by eight points in a thrilling preliminary final victory only last weekend.

Tregenza has not played since the Thunder’s round 17 win against Swan Districts because of an ankle injury, but will join Dockers forward Charlie Nicholls to spearhead the minor premiers’ attack on the big stage.

The 22-year-old was a pivotal member of Peel’s 2024 premiership-winning outfit, booting 25 goals in 16 games, including four in the preliminary final and one in the grand final victory against the Royals.

Peel were forced to make at least three changes with Corey Wagner and Judd McVee both recalled to the Dockers’ side ahead of the semifinal win against Geelong, while local defender Sean Hunter broke his arm in their last game.

Recruit Dustin Walters has lost his place in the side after collecting only three touches and a goal in the second semifinal win against Claremont, with Bryce brought in for his first league game since round 11.

Walker returns after he injured his ankle in the Dockers’ qualifying final defeat to Hawthorn earlier this month and didn’t earn a recall for the preliminary final win against Sydney.

The defender has played 12 games for Peel this year amid several injuries and looms as a likely match-up for Claremont livewire Zac Mainwaring.

O’Driscoll made the last of his six WAFL appearances this season in round six, but lost his place in the AFL side after the loss to Hawthorn and will now look to add another WAFL premiership to his resume, having been pivotal in the 2024 triumph with 29 touches and a goal.

WAFL GRAND FINAL

Peel Thunder v Claremont

Sunday, Optus Stadium, 1.10pm

TV: Channel 7 and 7PLUS

THUNDER

B: B Hancock J Draper B Walker

HB: B Banfield H Davies J Sears

C: T Whan L Tardrew N O’Driscoll

HF: T Murray C Nicholls S Tuia

F: C Scerri C Tregenza D Wills

FOLL: S Darcy J O’Meara J Sharp

I/C: T Bryce J Carr J Hewitt K Sanders C Simpson

EMG: F Burmeister L Kickett A Sweid D Walters T Wyburd

IN: T Bryce N O’Driscoll C Tregenza B Walker

OUT: C Wagner J McVee (both AFL) S Hunter (arm) D Walters (omitted)

TIGERS

B: A Pearce J Peace T Headland

HB: T Delacey A Davis S Alvarez

C: D Mountford B Rogers G Gale

HF: D Hardisty J Howard J Musika

F: K Gowdie M Minear A Waterman

FOL: O Eastland B Elliott C England

I/C: J Hopkyns Z Mainwaring H Mellody O Sheldrick S van Rooyen

EMG: B Banfield R Luscombe M Spyvee B van Rooyen