WAFL 2024: Peel Thunder young gun Corey Tregenza looks to add to football family legacy
In Mandurah, when you think of the name Tregenza, you inevitably think of goals and plenty of them.
Less than a decade ago, though, that association was for mercurial spearhead Rod Tregenza, a two-time Bernie Naylor medallist who is famous for kicking 1815 goals for six clubs in three states in an incredible career.
Now it’s about his son Corey, who will play a pivotal part in Peel Thunder’s pursuit of a third premiership when they meet East Perth in the grand final at Optus Stadium on Sunday.
Corey embraces being the son of a WA football legend – who once kicked 238 goals in a season for South Mandurah – as he looks to forge his own path in the game.
“I get a couple of nicknames from it, but he was a jet of player when he was younger and a good role model,” Tregenza said.
“I model my game off him. To have that as a figure, it’s excellent.”
Tregenza is in the middle of a breakout season, with the 196cm forward-ruck booting 24 goals in 15 games for the Thunder.
A mix of the alignment with Fremantle and some inconsistent form early has meant he’s been in and out of the side, but he’s hit his straps late, including a career-best four-goal haul in the preliminary final over Swan Districts last weekend.
Camera IconRod Tregenza. Credit: Narelle Butcher
Under the nose of the Dockers, who have only three genuine forwards on their list, Tregenza hopes to replicate the path set by now-former teammate Jacob Blight, who was picked up by Richmond in the mid-season rookie draft.
Tregenza missed out in his draft year of 2022 but has developed under the leadership of several Dockers at the Thunder to become a bright prospect at 20.
“The story of Jacob helps a bit. He was doing the same things that I do now, and you look at where he is, and I definitely want to be there at some stage,” Tregenza said on putting in the extra work.
“Doing the little things that get you over the line at the end of the day, I pride myself on that stuff.
“It (missing out on the draft) is a drive. I am hopeful to get there at some stage. In my draft year, it was my first year at the WAFL, so I didn’t expect too much out of it, but I think being close, hopefully, the opportunity comes in the future.”
If you ask now former Fremantle forward and Peel teammate Matt Taberner, he’ll tell you Tregenza is ready to play in the AFL now.
Camera IconPeel’s Corey Tregenza celebrates a goal. Credit: Daniel Wilkins/The West Australian
“He’s been patient, and obviously, the nature of our team is there are often changes throughout the year, and he’s missed out for a few weeks, but to hold his head, that’s probably the toughest thing, and it shows his character,” Taberner said.
“He kept his form in the reserves and since he’s come back in the past few weeks, he’s been great.
“He is a big boy, takes a good mark. His growth from last year has been tremendous. The amount he’s learnt in the last couple of years and can implement the game, it’s been great. Getting there (to the AFL) would be a good reward for him.”
While football is a focus, Tregenza does his best to juggle studying to become a teacher with holding down two jobs – a disability worker at What Ability and as an education assistant at three schools.
“It’s never easy. You just figure it out,” Tregenza said on juggling the responsibilities.
“There are times when I probably need to focus on things more than others. Obviously, the grand final is coming up now, so I do put them aside.
“Once footy is over you have nothing to do so it keeps me busy, keeps me from getting board.”
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