CLAREMONT coach Ashley Prescott says his players are "on a mission" to avenge last year's Grand Final loss and that'll be put to the test when they face Peel Thunder in a top-of-the-table clash in the WAFL on Saturday.

The Tigers and Thunder sit atop the WAFL ladder with 6-2 records, with Claremont ahead by merely 0.5 of a per cent.

Prescott's side fell at the final hurdle with a crushing two-goal loss to West Perth in last year's decider after losing in the preliminary final in 2021 along with the 2020 Grand Final. While some teams fall away after a heartbreaking Grand Final loss, the Tigers appear to be motivated to atone for it.

>> Watch Claremont v Peel Thunder LIVE from 2.10pm AWST on Saturday

"There does seem to be a really strong drive and a really strong connection among the boys," Prescott told AFL.com.au. "That was really evident early on in the pre-season. The majority of the squad came back in excellent condition, so we were able to ramp up our training pretty quickly.

"They're on a mission and that's been led really well by some of our senior guys, like Declan Mountford, Jye Bolton, Jack Lewsey and Ronin O'Connor.

"They're really driving high standards, they're great clubmen and great competitors and that's infectious for the playing group and the coaches as well."

Prescott, who played 130 AFL games for Richmond and Fremantle between 1993 and 2001, acknowledged the strengths of Peel – who are aligned with the Dockers - arguing the Thunder have been the best team this year.

"With Fremantle in that premiership window, they've brought in some very experienced state league players to complement their talented youth coming through," he said. "Unless you bring your absolute A-game against a side like that, you're going to get exposed.

"Our footy club really embraces those challenges. It'll be a great opportunity to see where we're against the best team in the competition thus far."

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Prescott said the players sensed the opportunity to prove themselves against the star-studded Thunder that could feature the likes of Will Brodie, Neil Erasmus and Nathan Wilson.

"I'm not sure if I have to sell much of a message, to be honest," the former Fremantle and Gold Coast Suns assistant coach added. "They know they're going to be coming up against up to 15 AFL-quality players. I think we're all really motivated to put our best foot forward and continue to try and improve as a team."

The Tigers, who have won 12 WAFL flags, haven't tasted premiership glory since 2012, losing Grand Finals in both 2020 and 2022.

Prescott himself coached the Tigers from 2004 to 2007, losing three season deciders, before his journey as an assistant coach in AFL ranks. He returned to Claremont at the end of 2020, losing his fourth WAFL Grand Final in 2022.

Victory on Saturday will put the Tigers and Prescott on the road to complete their mission and end those waits.