Swan Districts have moved within percentage of third spot after toppling reigning premiers Peel Thunder at Steel Blue Oval in a scrappy but competitive match in wet conditions.

The home team produced a determined last 45 minutes to seal the 11.6 (72) to 8.8 (56) win, which lifted them to a 10-6 record for the season.

Swans have now won four of their past five games to strengthen their position in the race for finals in their final season under coach Greg Harding.

Peel lined up with just eight Fremantle-listed players and faded late for their seventh defeat of the year.

Harley Bennell looked a little tentative on his way to eight disposals and three inside 50s, but played no part after three-quarter-time and rested his troublesome calves on the bench.

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

The richly-talented Fremantle midfielder was in his third game back in his long-awaited return to football. Bennell was moving freely as he shook hands with his opponents after the game.

Matt Riggio (29 disposals) was brilliant for Swans, with strong support from Jesse Turner (20), with four players booting two goals.

Rory O’Brien (32 disposals) made the most of the conditions for Peel, while Blair Bell was their most dangerous forward with three majors.

Xavier Ellis had the first shot of the day when he found space on the lead inside 50m, but he couldn’t find the major opening.

Play Video Time to go back 45 years when Claremont and East Perth played off in the grand final of 1972. The West Australian Video Time to go back 45 years when Claremont and East Perth played off in the grand final of 1972.

Todd Banfield made no mistake when he got his opportunity soon after as Swans got the start they wanted into the breeze.

Zac Dawson then got over the back and booted Peel’s first from the square, before a dodgy free kick reversal to Gerald Ugle set up Blair Bell for a brilliant long bomb.

Ricky Cary had his arm chopped late in the term and converted from the top of the square to help the home team to a one-point lead at the first break.

It was an ugly start to the second quarter before Bell provided a huge highlight, kicking a loose ball out of the air to put the visitors up by five points.

Brayden Noble put Swans back in front in the dying stages before a desperate effort from Brayden Lawler in the goal square to manufacture a major saw the Thunder head to half time with a four-point lead.

It was all Peel to start the third quarter as they dominated stoppages and got several promising looks at goal. They had two goals from five shots on goal within five minutes to get out by 19 points.

But the black and whites came again, four of the next five majors to get back within two points going into the final term.

Early goals were all important and it was Swans who charged, slamming on three goals within 11 minutes to get 15 points clear.

Dawson made the most of a defensive error to boot his second and give the Thunder some hope.

But it was the home side who had the final say to seal a crucial victory.

SWAN DISTRICTS 2.2 3.3 7.4 11.6 72

PEEL THUNDER 2.1 4.1 7.6 8.8 56

GOALS - SWANS: Cary, Banfield, Stewart, J Bennell 2; Noble, Slater, Wilson. PEEL: Bell 3; Dawson 2; Lawler, Pearce, Deluca, .

BEST - SWANS: Riggio, Turner, Wilson, J Bennell, Banfield, Faulkner. PEEL: O’Brien, Griffin, Pearce, Bell, Naughton, Walsh.

INJURIES: SWANS: Ellard (hamstring) replaced in selected side by Cipro, Cipro (shoulder). PEEL: Naughton (finger).

UMPIRES: J Fry, M Worobec, J Wright.

CROWD: 1589 at Steel Blue Oval.