RETURNING spearhead Matt Taberner and midfield star Harley Bennell could be in the mix for Western Derby call-ups at Fremantle after encouraging efforts in Peel's 31-point loss to West Perth on Saturday.
Playing his first game since fracturing his foot in April, Taberner kicked three goals and took five marks as the pick of the Thunder's forwards at Joondalup.
He was considered by the Dockers for Sunday's clash with Hawthorn at Optus Stadium and might be in contention to face West Coast, with Ross Lyon crying out for a strong-marking target.
"When we got enough clear ball into him he was a pretty dominant forward," Peel coach Cam Shepherd told AFL.com.au.
"It's just a step in the right direction for him."
After telling the Dockers he needed another match at WAFL level, Bennell torched the Falcons early with 17 disposals and two majors before half-time.
The former Gold Coast star slotted the opening goal and then showed his class by dodging two opponents and converting a left-foot snap in the second term.
Bennell finished with a season-high 27 touches and eight marks in his 10th WAFL appearance, despite spending lengthy periods of the final term on the bench.
The 25-year-old appeared to pull up short early in the quarter and was hobbling before coming to the bench for treatment on both legs.
He returned to the action before watching the closing stages of the 16.11 (107) to 11.10 (76) loss from the sidelines.
There were no concerns within the Peel camp post-match, and Bennell could make his third Freo appearance against the Eagles next Sunday.
"I know that he kicked a wonderful goal and played a pretty good game, but I haven't been told if there's any issue (with Bennell)," Shepherd said.
"I hope he's OK.
"I think his case (at Fremantle) will be continue to be built.
"But they've said it's more a long-term plan rather than worry about when he comes back in."
Shepherd was frustrated Peel only converted 219 possessions to 19 inside 50s in the opening half, especially with Taberner and omitted Freo forward Cam McCarthy in the line-up.
McCarthy had his moments and took seven marks but only booted one behind from 17 disposals.
"I thought he fought really strongly today," Shepherd said.
"He was pretty good in one-on-ones, took on a few outnumbers and his body positioning was better.
"We didn't get enough clear ball to make him as dangerous as we like.
"I'll give him his dues, when he's come back here, no matter what position he's played in, he's been keen to do his best and shown great intent."
Veteran small forward Hayden Ballantyne had an early scare when he rolled his ankle in his return from a similar issue but played out the match and was busy with 16 touches.
First-year midfielder Mitch Crowden (30 disposals) was in everything and veteran Danyle Pearce again amassed plenty of the ball (34, one goal).
But losing Peel-listed Ben Howlett (hamstring) late hurt the Thunder and they couldn't keep up with West Perth, which rallied after a tough week amid concerns about nearly $800,000 debt jeopardising the club's future.
The Falcons moved a game clear in second on the ladder with the victory, although South Fremantle has a game in hand.
Peel's bid for three-straight premierships is on shaky ground, with the Thunder now 14 per cent behind fifth-placed East Perth, which also has a game up its sleeve.
