SWNFL 2022: Fierce, season-long rivalry to come to a head in thrilling conclusion to the season

The stage has been set for a blockbuster clash for the 2022 South West Netball Football League premiership with Busselton Magpies and Eaton Boomers facing off for the second year in a row. In a sense of deja vu from last year, Busselton and Eaton will meet in the league grand final at Eaton Recreation Centre on Saturday. It comes as Eaton bounced back from their extra-time semifinal loss to Busselton in a big way by firing out the gate to pull off a convincing 62-44 preliminary final victory over South Bunbury last weekend. Ever since Eaton defeated Busselton 52-38 to claim the 2021 SWNFL premiership, both teams have been largely on par with each other throughout the 2022 season in what has become a fierce rivalry between them. Both teams finished the regular SWNFL season atop the ladder with 11-3-1 records, separated by just 13.19 per cent. Despite a slow start to the season with two consecutive losses, Eaton turned themselves around from round four to record big wins throughout the season, including a seven-game winning streak from round 12 to claim the minor premiership. Meanwhile, Busselton have dominated from the outset with a six-game winning streak until they suffered an upset loss to HBL in round eight before rallying together to prove themselves as tough competition and manage a top-two finish. During the home-and-away season, Eaton and Busselton had met a total of three times with each match being incredibly close. Busselton won their round one meeting at Geographe Leisure Centre 43-41. Eaton responded and won their round 12 outing 60-58 at Leschenault Leisure Centre. Both teams drew level with each other at 60-all during the final round at South West Sports Centre. More recently, their semifinal clash at the Eaton Recreation Centre saw both sides draw level at 58 apiece, forcing the match into extra time with Busselton prevailing 79-67. If previous meetings shows any indication, the grand final is set to showcase plenty of strong talent in a monumental fight for the premiership cup.