SWFL 2023: Matt Martin’s goalkicking prowess too much for brave Harvey Bulls on Saturday afternoon

Heading into Saturday’s home clash against in-form Bunbury at the Harvey Recreation Ground, Harvey Bulls coach Mark Pink knew his side would be up against it.

With more than 10 headline players unavailable for duty, all the Bulls boss asked of his players was endeavour at all times.

After being challenged for lengthy stages, Bunbury recorded a 14.9 (93) to 9.9 (63) win over the Bulls, however Pink and the loyal Bulls diehards were more than happy with how their boys stuck to their task across the afternoon.

The Bulldogs, who entered the game having won two in a row, began the game strongly, with their direct use down the corridor reaping dividends at the Uduc Road end.

A sensational three-goal burst in the space of four minutes, chiefly inspired by Scott Doncon, put the visitors up by 13 points in the shadows of time-on in the opening term.

While they had to work considerably harder, the Bulls managed to hit back with two goals before the quarter time siren, with superboot Brad Holmes using his experience and superior positioning at every opportunity.

With the home side displaying tremendous heart, concern began to show on everyone wearing black and gold as the Bulls began to capitalise on Tom Wood’s ascendancy at stoppages.

Holmes had Bulls supporters jumping for joy on the half-time siren as he majestically plucked the ball out of mid-air and coolly snapped truly over his shoulder from close range, which sliced the margin to a goal at the long break.

Unfortunately for the home side, there was also a spearhead at the other end — Bunbury’s Matt Martin — who was equally intent on doing some damage with his lethal boot.

Two goals in as many minutes midway during the third term put the Bulldogs on their way, as the depleted Bulls began to fall off the pace.

Despite his side being held scoreless for the period, Pink didn’t go berserk at his players at three-quarter time.

Instead, he remained upbeat and urged them to play the game minute by minute, ensuring concentration was at the forefront of their minds.

Although the Bulls fought to the very end, much like the gloomy skies above, Bunbury’s overall dominance across the afternoon eventually prevailed.

Earlier in the morning, the Bulls women’s team defeated Bunbury 5.8 (38) to 1.1 (7), with South Fremantle recruit Trinity Brown putting in another best on ground performance, while Emma Faulkner booted four goals.