Brett Peake matches Brian's magicial seven

Sharks players Brett Peake and Andrew Stephen enjoyed a day out on Saturday at Steel Blue Oval as they featured in Western Australia’s dominating 134 point win over Tasmania.

Andrew Stephen was rewarded with co Vice Captain honours for the contest, helping lead Western Australia to their fourth straight win against Australia's state leagues in his fourth appearance for the Black Swans.

But the day was extra special for Peake who make his debut wearing Black and Gold. In typical Peake fashion he rose to the occasion with a seven goal haul, emulating his father Brian Peake’s efforts from the legendary 1986 State of Origin clash against Victoria.

After kicking his fifth goal on the three quarter time siren, Peake was pleasantly surprised to see his dad on the field around the huddle, although he joked that he might not have been there to encourage him.

“I didn't know he was coming as he doesn't usually come to footy games but he came up at three quarter time which was great and a bit of a surprise,” said Peake.

“But I think he might have had a hoodoo in for me to not kick the eighth, and he was probably sniping me in the grandstand!

“It's obviously nice for him to be here and to be able to do the same thing that he did 30 years ago, it's great. He was the same age as me when he kicked seven so, I don't know -- it's whatever you want to call it. A coincidence?”

Peake lamented a dropped chest mark late in the final term that could have netted his eighth goal and family bragging rights, but even on state debut the veteran forward knew his final total was of small importance when it came to pulling on the state jumper.

“I had a chance to kick eight but of course it's not about the individual stuff that you do, it's about getting the opportunity to represent the best of the best in the comp and to enjoy it.” said Peake.

“To me, it’s been fantastic to be able to enjoy the leadup to the game and I’m looking forward to celebrating after with these guys. That's what footy's about. And it's good when you can share these things with guys who you don't know that well, as they’re all great competitors.”

The respect between state teammates was especially true between Peake and South Fremantle’s Ben Saunders who was prolific with six goals. The cross town rival forwards netted more than half of WA’s 25 goal tally between them -- making last week’s derby a distant memory as Peake and Saunders enjoyed more than the occasional high-five throughout the afternoon.

“[Ben’s] always someone I’ve respected -- I've looked at him and the way he plays as a forward and he's won a couple Bernie Naylor's and he's a dead eye dick in front of goal,” said Peake.

“To be able to work with him, it sort of brings the best out in you and the other forwards. And it also helps when you're getting A-grade delivery, so if you lead at the right time and get space they'll hit you, so it was enjoyable.”

East Fremantle teammate Andrew Stephen played his part to deliver three inside fifties for the day, with Stephens joining Peake at ATOM Stadium in 2008.

“Obviously I've played quite a bit of footy with Stevo and to share a state guernsey with him is something that no-one will take away from us,” said Peake.

“I'm sure we'll share a drink tonight and reflect on it, but I bet in the back of our minds we're looking at getting ourselves right and ready to face Subiaco.”

With the entire top five within one win of each other, it’s easy to expect a fierce and exciting finish to the 2016 Maccas WAFL season, and Peake is under no illusions about what he needs to do to get ready.

“We play Sunday so there's an eight day turnaround, so thankfully there's plenty of time to recover,” said Peake.

“[The return to the WAFL] hasn't been easy. I've had to work hard and I've got to work twice as hard to get my body ready for the second half of the season.”

“There’s bigger fish to fry so I guess today will be something I suppose when you look back at more when your career's done -- and I suppose at the age I am now to get the opportunity and make the most of it, it's something that I will sit back and look at and cherish it.”