SWFL 2022: HBL and Bulls players feature prominently in successful senior country week campaign

The SWFL returned to the top of WA country football’s summit following their no-nonsense 17.13 (115) to 3.3 (21) mauling of Avon in the Nutrien Ag Solutions division one country football championship grand final on Sunday. Played at the WACA ground, the SWFL — coached by Chris Kinninmont — led from the outset, with Avon never getting a chance to gain a foothold in the contest. Kinninmont, who was forced to make several late changes to the original squad before the carnival, was bursting with pride after the carnival, with his team carrying no passengers throughout. The SWFL suffered a fright during their opening round robin match against Upper Great Southern, with a goal in the final 20 seconds from Zac Trigwell securing a slender five-point win. This appeared to galvanise the squad, with all victories thereafter clear-cut. Several HBL and Harvey Bulls players were included in the team, with all players giving a good account of themselves. Leading the way was experienced Bulls midfielder Braden Fimmano, who was unlucky not to receive “All-Star” status, given his superb carnival. Combining perfectly with Bulls teammate Tom Wood, Fimmano was electric in the corridor and used the ball brilliantly by either hand or foot. Wood, who dominated in the ruck, also won plenty of admirers through his superb work-rate, while Lloyd Beever also provided plenty of grunt at stoppages. HBL trio Ben Ablett, Jonathan Fenwick and Reid Kinninmont played several roles throughout the carnival, which played a big part in the team’s undefeated status.