SWFL 2023: Finals appear imminent for plucky Carey Park following huge win over Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault

Carey Park showed on the weekend their almost decade long finals drought could soon be over. On Saturday at Kelly Park against Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault, the Panthers showed their 2023 vintage is a genuine finals contender, after securing a massive 14.12 (96) to 5.12 (42) victory. From the opening bounce, Carey Park showed no mercy, with a run and stun brand of football through the corridor. Led by Cooper and Harley Sparks, the youth-filled Panthers cut the Lions to ribbons, with their pace and accurate ball use. Trailing by 27 points at quarter-time, Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault’s task became even tougher, with influential big man Jack Fletcher exiting the game due to injury. This resulted in colts player Luke Bennett stepping up for ruck duties, and although he held his own, the Panthers on-ballers were too strong once the ball hit the deck. Whether he was in the ruck or up forward, Ryan King (six goals) dominated against the Lions. King’s superior body positioning caused headaches for the Lions defenders, who spent the majority of the second and third terms defending grimly in their own half. On a day when Lions forwards were starved of opportunities, spearhead Jarrod Humphries made the most of the limited chances afforded to him, which included a majestic snap off one step at the 20-minute mark of the opening term. At the Collie Recreation Ground on Sunday, the Harvey Bulls’ fading finals hopes received a massive dose of confidence, after they defeated Collie Eagles 18.6 (114) to 8.7 (55). Aside from Brad Holmes booting three goals, a number of key players — including Sam Lewis and Eli Smith — returned from lengthy stints out due to injury.