WAFL 2024: Peel coach Adam Read ‘rapt’ for Sebit Kuek’s return as Fremantle hopefuls stake AFL claims

Peel coach Adam Read couldn’t be happier as Sebit Kuek made a winning return to the WAFL as Thunder stars show there’s plenty of depth behind Fremantle’s finals charge. The Thunder were challenged by Perth, who produced a strong second quarter to take an unlikely lead with four straight goals before Neil Erasmus and Will Brodie turned on the jets to lead Peel to a 19-point win. But the biggest highlight of the day perhaps came in the games final moments went Kuek converted his set shot to kick his first goal in more than a year following a return from rupturing his ACL. “It’s been fantastic work ethic towards his rehab, obviously rupturing his ACL towards the end of last year, but while he was going through that recovery he also had both of his shoulders operated on,” Read told The West Australian. “It’s been a really challenging time for him since round 14 last year but his application towards rehab and his professionalism has been elite and to see him come back and play footy has just been a great lift for everyone. “He’s the kind of person that when he walks into the room he brings a smile to everyone’s face because he’s a really joyful person and he plays the game that way as well. “To see him one take the field and kick a goal and seeing the boys get around him I was really rapt for him.” As the Thunder go-top of the ladder following Claremont’s thumping of East Perth, the Dockers are looking at securing a top four finish in the AFL following their derby victory over West Coast. For Fremantle listed players like Erasmus (34 dispsoals, 10 score involvements, nine clearances) and Brodie (29 disposlals, five clearances) they know keeping strong form could have them part of a finals campaign should opportunities fall their way. “We really happy to have them in our team obviously I’m well aware they have aspirations to play AFL footy as they should an they take a lot of pride in their performances,” Read said. “I thought both of them had really big impact on the game in general.” Another man hoping stake an AFL claim is forward Pat Voss, who was used as the backup ruck against Perth, with Read saying it was another skill he was looking to add to his game. “It’s absolutely something he wants to work on, which gives him a bit of versatility, he’s one who also wants to crack AFL so it gives him another string to his bow,” he said. “It benefits not only us as a team but himself as well.”