Peel Thunder's Nathan Wilson announces retirement after stellar footy career

Peel Thunder star Nathan Wilson has announced his retirement after a successful AFL and WAFL career.

Wilson played a total of 208 games for GWS, Fremantle and Peel, spanning across 12 years.

The 31-year-old began his football journey at the Mandurah Mustangs before making his way through the Peel Thunder talent programs.

At the age of just 17 he was pre-drafted to the Giants and made his AFL debut in 2012.

Wilson was then traded to the Dockers in 2017 where he remained until the end of the 2023 season.

In 2024, he returned home to Peel Thunder and helped lead them to a WAFL premiership.

Wilson kicked 34 goals during the season and was the club's leading goal kicker.

"It’s been a great one, to play over 150 AFL games is a dream come true and I’m thankful to every Club that has been involved with myself and family. Obviously, it means a lot to play at Peel Thunder, I have been here since I was in the Development Squads at 14/15’s. Then to come back after my AFL career and to win a Premiership, it means a lot and I’m thankful to the Club," Wilson said.

Wilson said there were some career highlights he will always remember.

"Playing in the 2016/2017 AFL Finals Series is a moment I’ll never forget. To play Prelims in those years in front of 100,000 people, and then to come back to Fremantle and play in front of family and friends.”

He thanked his family and the Peel Thunder Football Club.

“Thank you to my partner and kids, I love them to bits, also my family, mum, step dad and sisters. Thanks to everyone involved at Peel this year on a great year and to bring home the Premiership Cup.”

Last month, Wilson was inducted into the prestigious WAFL 200 Club, recognising the long-serving individuals of WAFL football who have played over 200 games of WAFL or AFL games combined.