WAFL 2022: Peel Thunder lose forward Sam Sturt for their must-win semifinal against Claremont Tigers

Peel’s premiership hopes have been dealt a big blow with forward Sam Sturt ruled out of their semifinal clash with Claremont because of a hamstring injury.

Sturt starred for the Thunder in their elimination final victory over South Fremantle last weekend, booting three of their eight goals after half-time as they over-ran last year’s grand finallists.

The Fremantle forward played the second half of the game with the injury, which he sustained in the second quarter, but has been ruled out of the game against the Tigers at Revo Fitness Stadium on Sunday.

It is understood the injury is just minor and Sturt could be available for the preliminary final should the Thunder defeat the Tigers to qualify.

His omission is one of five changes for Peel, with Dockers spearhead Matt Taberner and speedster Travis Colyer not qualifying for finals.

Reigning fairest and best Tyrone Throne has also been withdrawn for personal reasons but like Sturt should be available for the preliminary final.

Sturt (26 goals in 17 games) leads the Thunder’s goalkicking in 2022, but they will now rely on second-year Fremantle forward Josh Treacy (18 goals in 13 games) and Blair Bell (25 in 16) to kick a winning score against Claremont.

Fremantle forward Joel Western has earned a recall after missing the elimination final as one of 12 Dockers in the team, while teenage forward Luke Polson will play just his fourth league game in the cut-throat final. Ben Middleton, Brodie Carroll and James Sturrock have also been named.