Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault’s Brady Hough stars on Peel league debut as Thunder give minor premiers a fright

One of the South West’s four AFL draft prospects has made a stunning start to his WAFL career. Running out for the first time in senior footy for Peel Thunder, Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault product Brady Hough racked up 22 disposals and kicked an important goal. Inspired by their debutant, the Thunder finished just four points shy of a stunning comeback victory, nearly turning around a 52-point deficit against the minor premiers to lose 13.11 (89) to 14.9 (93). The 18-year-old was the Thunder’s second leading disposal-winner with 22 touches, and he kicked a goal as they charged home to give their more fancied opponents an almighty scare. He sent the ball inside 50 five times, took nine marks and kicked the ball 19 times. Hough has played three games in the SWFL with the Lions this season, including two in the last month of the home and away season. More South West draft news: But it is at WAFL colts level that he has starred, shooting up the draft boards on the back of an eye-catching start to the season playing as a mid-sized forward and contributing through the midfield. He was also a strong contributor in WA’s 2021 AFL Under 19 National Championships opener against South Australia last weekend, kicking two goals. It could be the last game the youngster plays at the level, with Peel missing out on the WAFL finals and Hough a good chance to end up on an AFL list next season. The day was also a farewell for Ben Howlett, who hails from Donnybrook. The Thunder legend called time on his career during the week with 102 games to his name, but also spent seven years at Essendon, playing 124 games for the Bombers. Recently cut Fremantle defender Tobe Watson also featured, collecting 13 disposals and four inside 50s, as did Bunbury products Ryan Bennell and Zach Rankin.