SWFL 2023: Shootout at Gloucester Park, Bulls lament inaccuracy, South Bunbury outlast Donnybrook

With the emotion of Scott Hough’s funeral on Thursday still fresh in their minds, Bunbury ended Augusta-Margaret River’s hopes of a SWFL premiership three-peat on Saturday at Gloucester Park. In an unforgettable goal-fest, the Bulldogs won 22.4 (136) to 17.7 (109). Bunbury got off to a flyer, with six goals kicked by the likes of Brandon Gregory, Joel Houghton and Matthew Martin during the opening term. To their credit, the Hawks came firing back during the second with a massive seven-goal effort to shave the margin down to 15 points by half-time. Although tensions seemed to flare when Oscar Armstrong was issued a yellow card and reported for striking Houghton during the second term, Bunbury let their strong midfield efforts and intercept marks do the talking during the third quarter, with Houghton and Martin running the show up forward to balloon the margin out to 39 points at the final change. While the Hawks attempted to stage a comeback and outscored Bunbury during the final term, it was not enough to topple the Bulldogs. At Kelly Park, Harley Sparks’ Hayward Medal hopes received another timely boost, as he helped guide the top-two chasing Panthers to an 18.14 (122) to 5.6 (36) win over Eaton. Despite the scoreline, Eaton coach Chris Kinninmont said he was thrilled with his players’ physical pressure and spirit. On Sunday at Dunsborough Playing Fields, Harvey Bulls diehards could’ve been forgiven for thinking their boys had left their kicking boots at home. Despite leading at all changes, the Bulls fell 11.1 (67) to 7.23 (65) against the Dunsborough Sharks — booting 1.13 in the second half. Post-game, Bulls coach Mark Pink lamented his side’s inaccuracy, although outlined both he and the team would do all they could against Carey Park on Saturday, when the Bulls will hold their “Back to Bombers” Day at the Harvey Recreation Ground. At Hands Oval, South Bunbury coach Julian Burgess extended his unbeaten streak against former club Donnybrook, ensuring the Dr Ern Manea Cup stayed at Tigerland. Despite league leading goalkicker Leigh Kohlmann (two goals) defended tightly throughout, Adam Hunter and Kade Szyszka’s influence proved telling in the 9.8 (62) to 6.5 (41) triumph. In the remaining game of the round at Brunswick Oval, Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault honoured 150th gamer Ty Armitage in style, defeating Collie Eagles 11.6 (72) to 6.11 (47).