Blakely wins Simpson Medal in historic grand final victory

Bunbury-raised footballer Connor Blakely was awarded the Simpson Medal on Sunday after being named best-on-ground in Peel Thunder’s historic first West Australian Football League premiership victory.

Blakely had 38 disposals in the Thunder’s 11.13 (79) to 8.8 (56) win at Subiaco Oval over reigning premiers, Subiaco.

The 20-year-old, who was drafted to the Fremantle Dockers from Swan Districts, played just nine games for the Thunder in 2016, but starred in their four finals this month on their way to the premiership.

Blakely had 18 kicks, 20 handballs and five marks in the contest, proving to be instrumental as the Thunder powered home to their first premiership in the club’s 20-year history.

Fellow SWFL recruit Ethan Hughes was also handy, collecting 20 disposals and taking five marks.

Former Carey Park midfielder Brayden Lawler joined Blakely in the victory, collecting 12 disposals and laying 10 tackles.