Thunder captain Ben Hancock suffers season ending ACL rupture

Peel Thunder captain Ben Hancock will spend the rest of the 2025 WAFL season on the sidelines after injuring his knee last weekend.

Scans have confirmed Hancock ruptured his ACL during Saturday's loss to East Fremantle.

GM Football Operations Sam Skinner said the 29-year-old will undergo surgery in the coming weeks.

“From a Mens program, unfortunately scans have confirmed that our Captain, Ben Hancock has sustained a season ending ACL rupture after an iniquitous incident attempting to collect a handball last weekend," he said.

"This is devastating news for Ben and our focus is firmly on helping him through this initial period and through the recovery process.

"Although dissapointed with the news, Ben has shown great leadership, has already met with specialists and is booked in for surgery soon.

"This will only help him in a safe and speedy recovery heading into 2026."

Peel are also awaiting scan results for Scott Tuia (knee), Corey Tregenza (knee), Tyler Nesbitt (ankle) and Kyle Hussey (ankle).

Mr Skinner said there was some positive news for the side.

"We will hopefully see players with league experience available for selection this week, with young gun Will York, Jonathon Ietto and Tristan Bryce go through their final return-to-play tests this week," he said.

"Both Tristan and Jonathon are returning from long-term injuries, have been super diligent in their rehab and we look forward to seeing them take the field for the first time in 2025."

The Thunder sit at eighth place on the WAFL ladder with two losses and a draw under their belt.

The reigning premiers take on Swan Districts at Steel Blue Oval on Saturday, April 26.