Sanders family's proud legacy continues at Peel ThunderFriday, May 30, 2025 - 10:47 AM - by Jordan McArdle

It will be a family affair in Mandurah on Saturday as Peel Thunder celebrate just the third father-son combination in the seniors since their inception in 1997.

Former Thunder forward Greg Sanders will have not one, but two sons making their debut for the club against Subiaco at Lane Group Stadium on Saturday.

Kyelan Sanders, 18, has broken into a strong Peel league side - 20 years after his father Greg's last senior game for the club - after a strong start to the season in the reserves, where he’s booted 11 goals in his last four games.

Earlier in the day, his younger brother Hudson, who’s just 15 years old, will run out for the Thunder colts for the first time.

The Sanders siblings’ debuts were announced at the club on Thursday night, with proud dad Greg, who tallied 50 WAFL senior games including 46 for the Thunder from 1999-2005, watching on in a heartwarming moment.

“Hudson is still only 15, turning 16 soon, so it’s a fantastic effort from him to break through for his colts debut,” Thunder’s General Manager of Football Operations Sam Skinner said.

“He’s been performing consistently well for Halls Head’s colts in the Peel competition since our futures campaign finished last month, where he captained the team and was awarded the Ben Howlett Medal.

"A strong-bodied player, leads with actions and a team-first character.

“Kyelan has banged the door down in the reserves this season after playing colts in Round 1, kicking 11 goals in his last four games as a predominant forward, playing his role consistently.

“Both debuts are very well earned and being on the same weekend is special for the individuals, the family and the Club.

“The Sanders are such a great club-orientated family who represent everything we are about at Peel Thunder, our Reserves Forwards Coach is their father, Greg Sanders who played 50 Senior games."

Greg and Kyelan Sanders join the Halls (Derek and Clay) and Tregenzas (Rod and Corey) and father-son duos to represent the Thunder’s league side.

Clay went on to get drafted by West Coast in the 2023 AFL National Draft, while Corey was a part of Peel’s grand final-winning side last season after both played in the 2022 colts flag.