SWFL 2023: Busselton continues hot streak in Dunsborough, South Bunbury hold off Eaton by a goal

Although the Dunsborough Sharks have become the third team to score against the ever-dominant Busselton, it was not enough to put an end to the Magpies’ dream run, winning by 57 points, 9.9 (63) to 1.0 (6). Dunsborough and Busselton went head to head at the Dunsborough Playing Fields on Sunday during round 14 of the 2023 South West Football League’s women’s competition, where the Magpies were quick to establish dominance despite not having any players on the bench. From the outset, Busselton were out to quickly take control, swooping the Sharks throughout the midfield and driving the ball down the field to build up a lead. Although the Sharks tried to put the pressure on, Busselton held strong to kick 4.2 (26) to lead at quarter-time. The contest seemed to reach a stalemate during the second quarter with both sides making interceptions and laying tackles. The dry spell was broken late in the term when Elise Collins broke through to put the Sharks on the scoreboard with a major, making Dunsborough just the third team to score against Busselton this season. After being kept scoreless during the second term, Busselton returned to the field more determined to continue extending their lead. However, Dunsborough’s mounting pressure inside their defensive 50 resulted in Busselton managing minor scores until Katie-Jayne Grieve broke through for a goal to open the floodgates. Busselton went on to kick a further two goals to lead 7.7 (49) to 1.0 (6) at the final change. Although Dunsborough continued putting up a solid fight during the final term, it was not enough to take down the Magpies who held strong to win with Mia Dronow kicking four goals and Bella Hancock named best on ground. On Saturday at Hands Oval, a majestic snap from Grace Lawson propelled South Bunbury to a stirring win over Eaton. After trailing at half-time, the Tigers charged out in the second half full of renewed vigour following a pep talk from coach Berend Kaaks. Led superbly by Kiarni Stevens and Diaz Emerson, the Tigers dominated possession for much of the final term — with Lawson’s acute snap with two minutes left in the game confirming the 2.2 (14) to 1.2 (8) triumph. However the real story from this game was a sense of reconciliation and respect off the field — with former South Bunbury women’s premiership coach Maxwell Jetta returning to the Tigers’ change rooms for the first time since departing the club last season due to personal reasons. Jetta, who created South Bunbury’s women’s Indigenous guernseys last season, addressed the Tigers prior to the clash, and spoke passionately about the cultural reasons behind his design. Elsewhere, a six-goal haul from Lana Bennett and an impressive midfield display from Holly Bilcich helped Carey Park on their way to a commanding 12.8 (80) to 0.2 (2) win over Collie Eagles at Collie Recreation Ground. Meanwhile, Bunbury continued building form with a 4.7 (31) to 1.2 (8) win over Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault at Brunswick Oval.