SWFL 2023: Reigning premiers Busselton open campaign by keeping Eaton scoreless

They might have started the season with a bye, but reigning premiers Busselton Magpies have not missed a beat after putting on a dominant performance against Eaton, winning by 101 points.

The Magpies officially began their 2023 South West Football League campaign on home turf on Saturday and from the first siren were firing out the gate with Gemma Wharton opening the bank with an early goal.

While Eaton looked to respond and put the pressure on, the Magpies would rapidly drive the ball forward and secured another goal via playing coach Rennie Meadmore.

Busselton’s strong start continued with a number of strong tackles laid and plenty of interceptions against Eaton, extending their lead further with a couple of minor scores and a second major for Meadmore.

An attempt to turn the tide made by Charity Ryder gave Eaton a glimmer of hope before she was ultimately quashed by a tackle from Karyn Beeson, with Busselton capitalising with a goal from skipper Emma Borinelli.

Eaton would make another last-ditch attempt to drive the ball forward late in the term, but the siren sounded before they could drive the ball over the goal line.

Busselton’s dominant performance continued into the second quarter with a quick centre clearance by Katie-Jayne Grieve.

Despite a solid tackle laid by Eaton’s Brooke Hansen, the Magpies continued extending their lead even further with goals from Christie Daniels, Meadmore and Maddy Obal.

Although Eaton tried fighting back and put the pressure on, Busselton held strong to lead 8.4 (52) to 0.0 (0) at half-time.

Eaton found themselves scrambling to put the pressure on Busselton during the early stages of the third term, but soon became more aggressive in their approach, laying a number of strong bumps on the Magpies.

However, the Magpies remained composed and continued adding more unanswered goals to their tally via Wharton and three consecutive goals from Daniels to lead 12.7 (79) to 0.0 (0) at the final change.

Despite Eaton’s best efforts, including solid showings from Hansen, Brooke Newman and Nyrobi Zuiderwyk, the final term resembled more of a victory lap for Busselton.

Although Busselton managed a number of minor scores early, the Magpies found themselves back in their groove with goals from Sienna Thompson, a fifth goal for Daniels, and Katisha Barrett.

Obal managed a strong quarter performance, charging through Eaton in the midfield to help the Magpies on their way to a 15.11 (101) to 0.0 (0) victory.