Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Fremantle defender Brandon Walker has put himself in the AFL grand final selection mix, proving his fitness with a strong performance in Peel Thunder’s WAFL premiership triumph.
Walker returned from an ankle injury as Peel – the Dockers’ state league affiliate – secured their second flag in three seasons with a 16.17 (113) to 7.9 (51) thumping of Claremont on Sunday.
A host of Fremantle stars were part of the Optus Stadium crowd following their extraordinary comeback win over Sydney in Friday night’s preliminary final.
Walker is hopeful of joining them when they take on Brisbane at the MCG on Saturday, with the Dockers aiming for a maiden AFL premiership.
The speedy backman has played just two senior games this season, and was a selection shock when picked to play on Hawthorn goalsneak Nick Watson in the qualifying final.
He injured his ankle in that game but could now be recalled for a possible match-up with Brisbane star Charlie Cameron on the biggest stage of all.
Judd McVee was dropped for Walker against Hawthorn and would appear most likely to make way again if Walker is recalled.
Brennan Cox was initially named to make his return from a calf injury with Peel in the WAFL grand final, but was withdrawn from the team when Fremantle won through to the AFL decider.
The key defender looms as the Dockers’ most likely inclusion, with fellow backman Oscar McDonald a possible hard-luck story if Cox is deemed fit to play against Brisbane.
A host of Fremantle-listed players shone for Peel, including experienced midfielder Jaeger O’Meara, who was an emergency against Sydney.
O”Meara (21 disposals) was one of Peel’s major ball-winners, while ruckman Sean Darcy (14 disposals, 30 hit-outs) also played well.
Out-of-favour Dockers midfielder Jeremy Sharp started strongly when the game was up for grabs, finishing with 27 disposals and one goal.
Sharp was awarded the Simpson Medal as best afield.
Bailey Banfield (30 disposals), Cooper Simpson (25) and Nathan O’Driscoll (22) were other Dockers who played well for Peel.
Tall forward Charlie Nicholls, who is yet to make his AFL debut, kicked an equal game-high three goals.
Sharp was the star early with eight disposals and a goal by quarter-time as Peel skipped away to a healthy advantage, leading 6.6 to 1.3 at the first break.
The margin ballooned to 59 points by halftime and Peel were never seriously challenged by the Tigers.
It was Peel’s fourth WAFL premiership since their 1997 inception – all of those under the alignment with Fremantle that started in 2014.
