Matt Orzel has returned to Claremont, after two seasons with Peel Thunder.

After originally playing 99 games with the Tigers, Orzel left the club at the end of 2011, in search of more playing time.

“Being with Peel and having the opportunity to play midfield a bit more…it was a great opportunity to better my footy,” Orzel said.

I felt I was playing good footy when I left the Tigers, we just had such a dominant team that I couldn’t really squeeze in.

It was a good change.”

Orzel’s decision was made easier by the alignment between Fremantle and Peel Thunder taking effect in 2014.

“That was a big factor, actually,” Orzel said.

"It (the alignment) came in and I didn’t really want to have too much to do with it at this time in my life, being the age I am and maybe only having a couple of years to go."

"I’d rather play with the blokes who I train with each week.”

Orzel finished runner up in the Peel Thunder best and fairest in 2012, and found himself setting the tone for some of the younger players.

“I’ve always prided myself on tackles. I always tried to set an example down there (Peel Thunder) for the younger fellas. I knew they were down on their tackles and so I always prided myself on the tackling, sheparding and the one per centers,” Orzel said.

Orzel is upbeat about the Tigers’ chances this season.

“We’ve got Darcy Cameron the young ruckman and big Seab’s (Mark Seaby) is still around. We’ve still got a good midfield, so I’m definitely confident,” Orzel said.

by Dan Scamozzi