SWFL 2022: Jarrod Humphries again haunts old club as Lions pip Boomers at Glen Huon Reserve

With a game up for grabs, and his former club doing their best to contain his undeniable talent, Jarrod Humphries once again delivered on the big stage for Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault. Humphries booted seven goals in his side’s gripping 11.6 (72) to 10.10 (70) win over the Eaton Boomers on Sunday in unforgivable conditions at Glen Huon Reserve — a display which was arguably one of the best in his SWFL career. The conditions in this game added another variable to this absorbing contest. At times, the ground was bathed in sunshine. Other moments, cars were shaking from side to side because of the sheer force of a howling breeze and horizontal rain favouring the Shire of Dardanup council chambers end. Early in the second term, Humphries stepped forward and flipped the game on its ear, booting three goals in a lethal seven-minute burst. Shaken but not stirred by the onslaught, the Boomers fought back, booting three goals in time-on to regain the lead at half-time. Two of these goals, kicked by Michael Bennell and Joel Houghton, were worthy of any national sporting highlight reel. Bennell, who was 60m out from goal directly in front, looked on with pride after his towering kick sailed through post-high with aid of the breeze — while Houghton squeezed his kick through late after it looked destined to go through for a behind. Regardless of what was thrown at them, the Lions remained disciplined, with Reid Kinninmont and Brendan Tingey working hard in the corridor to give their forward line opportunities to hit the scoreboard. As the gloomy skies began to close in above them, Humphries took a brilliant mark on the three-quarter time siren and kicked truly to level the scores. However, if Boomers supporters thought that was his final act of greatness, they were gravely mistaken. With the Lions onballers taking the game on and hitting their targets, Humphries booted two additional goals in another seven-minute purple patch to ensure the Lions could enjoy one of their more memorable away trips this season.