SWFL 2023: Carey Park go 2-0 in thriller against Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault

Carey Park are quickly establishing themselves as an excitement machine after winning by less than a goal for the second week in a row.

The young Panthers beat Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault 7.12 (54) to 7.10 (52) at Brunswick Oval during round two of the 2023 South West Football League season on Saturday.

While Carey Park were first to score during the opening minutes of the match, the Lions responded with Jarrod Humphries snapping a goal under pressure, followed by an impressive running goal from Connor Carbone to put the Lions in front.

HBL’s lead would soon be extended when Humphries charged through three opponents to slot his second goal.

While Josh Bradbury converted a set shot for the Panthers late in the term, Zac Piper would respond with a major of his own to bring the margin back to 13 points at quarter-time.

It did not take long for Humphries to boot his third goal of the match, extending the margin during the opening stages of the second term.

While Carey Park tried putting the pressure on to respond, they were ultimately kept to scoring just three behinds to trail by three goals at half-time.

Needing to strike early, Carey Park returned from the main break rallying together to shave down the margin, booting three goals during the third term to trail by seven points at the final change.

In a thrilling final quarter, both sides were locked in a fierce battle for the win until young gun Brady Lenaghan kicked two clutch goals to help the Panthers secure the victory.

Lenaghan, who kicked four goals for the match, was among Carey Park’s best alongside Bill Brown, Jaxon Bell, Harley Sparks, Rory O’Brien and Cooper Sparks.

Humphries (four goals) stole the show for the Lions, named among their best alongside Carbone, Jono Fenwick, Ty Armitage — who returned from Peel Thunder — Ben Ablett and Jaydon Wilson.