WAFL grand final: Neil Erasmus snares Simpson Medal after dominant display in Peel Thunder’s flag triumph

Neil Erasmus staked his case for an increased AFL role next year in emphatic style, snaring a deserved Simpson Medal as best afield in Peel’s WAFL grand final triumph. Erasmus mustered just four Dockers appearances this season, featuring as a substituted player in all of them, as he struggled to crack the senior rotation. But he provided a constant reminder of his immense talent all season long at WAFL level, saving his most important performance for last in dominating through the middle of Optus Stadium. Erasmus racked up 26 disposals and six clearances, while adding a pair of goals and finishing with a game-high 11 tackles to highlight his hunger for the contest. The player taken with Pick 10 in the 2021 AFL Draft said he had taken pride in continuing to develop at WAFL level despite struggling for opportunities at Freo. “It’s been a long year, but it’s been such a good one. It probably hasn’t gone the way I wanted it, but what a way to finish,” Erasmus said. “It’s sticking to the process and controlling what I can control, and I’m proud of the way I did that this year.” Erasmus helped Peel get on top in the second quarter, booting two goals for the term - one from a 50m penalty and another after being first to the footy and earning a dump-tackle free kick. His class was on show after the main break, setting up wave after wave of Thunder scores to pave the way for the victory. Erasmus cruised through the middle of the ground for a neat goal assist to Dockers-listed teammate Cooper Simpson for a steadying third-term major. He then feasted on a turnover to feed Scott Tuia as Peel turned a handy nine-point half-time lead into a 26-point cushion at the final change. With East Perth pressing late, Erasmus laid a key tackle to ping Hamish Brayshaw holding the ball, and then impacted the clearance that led to Simpson’s sealing goal. The 20-year-old will be looking to emulate Peel’s Simpson medallist from most recent WAFL premiership success before Sunday, Luke Ryan from 2017, in rising to become a star at the top level.