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SWFL 2022: How is your club faring into the second half of the year?

Headshot of Justin Fris
Justin FrisSouth Western Times
Reigning Hayward medallist Simon Moore has again led from the front for the Hawks.
Camera IconReigning Hayward medallist Simon Moore has again led from the front for the Hawks. Credit: Justin Fris/South Western Times

With all clubs having a general bye due to the Nutrien Ag Solutions country football championships, Justin Fris looks at how your club is placed heading into the crunch.

1st - South Bunbury (10-2, 40 points)

Coach: Julian Burgess

Form: The Tigers have barely put a foot wrong at league level and are a strong chance to reach this season’s grand final. They do have a challenging fortnight at the end of the season (facing Augusta-Margaret River and Bunbury) however.

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Star player: Jordan Strahan - Has kicked 42 goals so far this season and is the undisputed chief spearhead in the SWFL right now.

One to watch: Kade Wallrodt - Wallrodt’s flair in the forward line could give the Tigers some added bite in September.

Hayward Medal contenders: Shaun Crane, Jace Cormack, Tim Sutherland, Jordan Strahan, Tom Gorter, Jay Crossman.

Likely finish: Top two.

2nd - Augusta-Margaret River (9-3, 36 points)

Coach: Matt Jamieson

Form: The reigning premiers have banked plenty of wins heading into the second half of the year, where they will play several games on the road.

Star player: Simon Moore - The reigning Hayward medallist routinely has the ball on a string and is an excellent decision maker in all situations of play.

One to watch: Sam Lewis - An electric half-forward flanker who is humble on and off the field despite his undeniable talent.

Hayward Medal contenders: Simon Moore, Steven Payne, Lincoln Adams, Sam Lewis, Tim Noakes, Harry Taylor.

Likely finish: Top two.

3rd - Bunbury (8-3, 32 points)

Coach: Jamie Nani

Form: Despite having lost three in a row heading into the country week break, the Bulldogs have the talent and experience required to turn things around ahead of the finals.

Star player: Dylan Heasman - A red-hot favourite to win this year’s Hayward Medal, Heasman’s X-factor alone is enough to swing a game into Bunbury’s control.

One to watch: Fraser Gilchrist - An elusive colts footballer who is likely to spend more time in the seniors, given his ability to play creatively.

Hayward Medal contenders: Dylan Heasman, Patrick Farrant, Jesse Gribble, Mark Longbottom, Tyson Wood, Scott Doncon.

Likely finish: Top five

4th - Busselton (8-4, 32 points)

Coach: Daniel Delaney

Form: With all of their players back from injury and COVID-19 health and safety protocols, Busselton are quickly becoming a team no-one will want to face in the finals.

Star player: Mitchell Tenardi - Tenardi is a determined midfielder who can hurt opposition sides both inside and outside.

One to watch: Zac Pethybridge - A no-nonsense defender who regularly gets the better of the opposition team’s best forward each week.

Hayward Medal contenders: Mitchell Tenardi, Nathan Arbon, Liam Creighton, Mitchell Howlett, Dylan Patterson, Zac Pethybridge.

Likely finish: Top five

5th - Donnybrook (6-6, 24 points)

Coach: Shane Bolton

Form: The Dons have been playing an excellent brand of football over the past six weeks and are in the mix to play finals.

Star player: Jacob Kendle - A very reliable player who should feature prominently in the Dons’ fairest and best this year.

One to watch: Cooper Clarke-Dehring- The youngster has been on fire in the colts and could earn a spot in the league team towards the end of the year.

Hayward Medal contenders: Jacob Kendle, Ben Howlett, Jeff Smith, Sean Lynch, Shane Cristaldi.

Likely finish: Fifth-seventh

6th - Eaton Boomers (5-6, 20 points)

Coach: Darren Rigby

Form: Last Saturday’s slender win over Donnybrook keeps the Boomers in the hunt for a spot in the top five, after they appeared to be sliding.

Star player: Joel Houghton - An experienced WAFL/AFL player who does whatever he can to get teammates involved in a game.

One to watch: Tanner Allen - Allen is a forward who always gives his side value for effort.

Hayward Medal contenders: Jordan Falco, Tanner Allen, Joel Houghton, Mitch Kings, Greg Humphries, Thomas Shanahan.

Likely finish: Fifth-seventh

7th - Harvey Bulls (5-6, 20 points)

Coach: Mark Pink

Form: The Bulls have plenty of weapons capable of doing damage in the finals, however they need to maintain their consistency in order to get there.

Star player: Brad Holmes - A proven goalkicker who always keeps the Bulls in every contest.

One to watch: Tyson Powell - Powell could be a real nuisance for rival teams in the finals if all their defensive attention goes toward Brad Holmes.

Hayward Medal contenders: Brad Holmes, Lloyd Beever, Tyson Powell, Thomas Wood, Eli Smith, Harley Bennell.

Likely finish: Fifth-seventh

8th - Carey Park (3-7-1, 14 points)

Coach: Brett Maguire

Form: Unlikely to play finals again this year, however the long-term future looks bright, with several colts stars likely to transition to league football in coming seasons.

Star player: Rory O’Brien - The 2013 Sandover medallist still offers plenty in the corridor for the Panthers.

One to watch: Bryce Fiorentino - A gutsy up and coming player who appears on the cusp of a bright senior career at either SWFL or WAFL level.

Hayward Medal contenders: Ethan Maguire, Rory O’Brien, Nic Bonomelli, Viv Blurton.

Likely finish: Eighth

9th - Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault (3-8-1, 14 points)

Coach: Ryan MacIntyre

Form: It is has been a rough year for the Lions, who have been unable to produce their best football for long periods of time.

Star player: Jarrod Humphries - When he is on fire, there is no better player to go to the football and watch.

One to watch: Reid Kinninmont - A young midfielder with ambition, who would be worthy of a chance at senior WAFL level.

Hayward Medal contenders: Brendan Tingey, Reid Kinninmont, Ben Ablett, Jarrod Humphries.

Likely finish: Ninth

10th - Collie Eagles (0-12, 0 points)

Coach: Kade East

Form: They might have not won a game so far, but the Eagles have not played like a winless team and should break their duck soon.

Star player: Shaquille McKenzie - His experience at WAFL level has helped the Eagles during some challenging games.

One to watch: Zac Pilatti - A rising star who is leading by example.

Hayward Medal contenders: Cameron Davidson, Liam Reuben, Adam Bignell, Shaquille McKenzie.

Likely finish: Tenth

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