Peel were kept to just two goals as Subiaco flexed their considerable muscles tonight to win their 12th consecutive match and gain a modicum of satisfaction at defeating their grand final nemesis.

Peel were kept to just four behinds in the gruelling first three quarters at Leederville Oval and appeared likely to become the first WAFL team in 15 years to fail to score a goal until a 50m penalty helped Matthew Piggott score the team’s first of just two majors.

But their 2.5 (17) was their third lowest score while Subiaco’s 9.15 (69) guaranteed the home team’s best start to a season.

The intense opening 20 minutes were marked by a series of brutal physical encounters as both teams tested each other out in the fashion of two heavy weight boxers assessing their options.

But once Rhys Waters found some space to soccer the only goal of the first term, Subiaco changed gears and were never troubled as they ground their way to the 52-point win.

Don't miss the latest sports news! Was $13 now $7 per week for 12 weeks* (Digital + Print) Enjoy unlimited access to thewest.com.au and everyday digital editions on any device. Thursday - Monday papers home delivered with all of the latest footy news! *T&Cs apply

Played in conditions so murky that it was nearly impossible to see across the ground or distinguish individual players, the match resembled a waterlogged contest in which time and space were at a premium.

Subiaco’s ability to put extreme pressure on the ball carrier was demonstrated repeatedly as the Peel players were forced into numerous errors.

The Thunder responded by crowding their back-line with all 18 players which worked well enough in the third term when they kept the home team goalless but they did not look like scoring themselves.

After managing just four behinds to half-time, they went inside 50 just four times in the third quarter and didn’t score.

Michael Tassone threatened to score their first goal early in the last quarter only for his long shot to go astray but Piggott soon converted after receiving a free kick and 50m penalty deep in attack.

The result was foreshadowed during a 10-minute burst before half-time when the Lions banged four unanswered goals as the dominance of their midfield quartet of Kyal Horsley, Josh Deluca, Chris Phelan and Leigh Kitchin was converted into control of the game.

But the result was set up by the virtually impenetrable Subiaco defence.

Veteran Clancy Wheeler limped off early with a hamstring problem but lesser lights like Drew Rohde and Jacob Miller maintained the team’s remarkable standards with outstanding displays.

Dual premiership Brayden Lawler did not have a touch in the first half, and finished with just 8 disposals, as Rohde wore him closely and celebrated with a goal late in the game.

Gus Litherland and Jordan Lockyer were equally effective as they helped to stifle Peel’s few attacking forays.

SUBIACO 1.5 5.6 5.13 9.15 (69)

PEEL 0.2 0.4 0.4 2.5 (17)

GOALS – SUBIACO: Sokol, Delahunty 2; Waters, Deluca, Borchet, Clarke, Rohde.

PEEL: Piggott, Strnadica.

BEST– SUBIACO: Deluca, Horsley, Kitchin, Rohde, Phelan, Kennedy, Litherland.

PEEL: Johnson, Pearce, Bell, North.

INJURY – SUBIACO: Wheeler (hamstring).

UMPIRES: M Adams, R McCaw, C Snadden.

CROWD: 2000 (approx) at Leederville Oval.