SWFL 2023: Delaney senses the shift as Busselton rally late to outlast Bunbury

Busselton league coach Daniel Delaney knew how serious things were during three-quarter time of Sunday’s epic clash against Bunbury at Payne Park. After leading by a game-high 37 points early in the second term, the Magpies were gradually outworked by the determined Bulldogs, who pulled back to be five points behind at the final change. Aside from voicing his thoughts passionately, Delaney cleverly used every last second possible of his address, finishing well after all Bunbury players had made their way back into position. Whether this psychological ploy worked might be debatable, however Busselton’s late courage during their 11.12 (78) to 10.7 (67) win over the Bulldogs wasn’t. Trailing by eight points midway during the final quarter, some sides could have turned up their toes. Instead, three goals in six minutes courtesy of Jaxon East, Liam Creighton and Mitchell Howlett delivered them four premiership points instead. The Magpies had the better of the early exchanges and bolted out to an early 13-point lead, despite Bunbury’s Tyson Wood dominating in the ruck. Leading by 11 points at quarter-time, the visitors enjoyed an early purple patch in the second term, peeling off four goals in seven minutes. Aside from their phenomenal fitness and excellent field kicking, defensive accountability — led by defender Zac Pethybridge on Bunbury spearhead Matt Martin — set the tone for everyone wearing black and white. While there was a degree of concern as Bulldogs players made their way off the ground at half-time, many Bunbury diehards felt their side had enough in them to turn things around, and how right they were. The Bulldogs kicked six unanswered goals in the second half to hit the front midway in the last quarter, with a comeback victory appearing very much on the cards. Having been held goalless since the 22-minute mark of the second term, and needing a spark, Magpies players collectively found an extra gear in the dying minutes, much to the delight of their proud coach. Howlett, who has a habit of performing well at Payne Park, finished with five goals, while Mitchell Tenardi and Pethybridge were also brilliant.