Bunbury Bulldogs claim 2021 SWFL reserves premiership

Bunbury have claimed their first reserves premiership since 2005 with a comeback 10-point victory over Busselton. The Bulldogs headed into the clash with a strong side which boasted 11 league players including four from the 2020 SWFL premiership. Bulldogs coach Mark Docking said after some lean years for the side it was great to see smiling faces on grand final day. “We were always confident in our ability, it was just that we had to bring it on the day Busselton are a sensational side and that was a really great game of reserves footy. It was about sticking to our process, remaining disciplined, and we were lucky enough to be in front when the siren went. “The reserves have been through a bit of a dry spell over the journey, so it is good for them to taste some success,” he said. “There is a lot of guys who have done a lot of hard work toiling away in the twos and I am really proud of all of them.” Cameron Hay has won back-to-back premierships after playing in Bunbury’s league flag last year and said he was honoured to be a part of the victory. “It is just as good as a league premiership, the boys wanted this more than anyone else and I am just so thrilled and so proud to be a part of it,” he said. Bunbury went in as underdogs after they only managed one goal in the qualifying final against the Magpies and fans of the side were having flashbacks at quarter-time when they hadn’t kicked a major. The Magpies started strong and kicked 2.4 (16) to 0.3 (3) in the first term as defenders Thomas Begley, Brodie Howell and Matthew Welburn controlled the back half and Mathew Harbeck and William Mackay provided a spark going forward. Bunbury were able to turn things around as eventual Don Punch MLA Trophy winner Hay kicked two goals in as many minutes early in the second term. The Bulldogs headed in to half-time leading 3.6 (24) to 2.4 (16) after Hamish Hall spun out of trouble and finished his side’s third for the quarter. The third quarter proved to be the game’s best term as the sides traded goals. Mackay, Troyden Thorp, Mason Hislop and Beau Chinnery all kicked majors for Busselton and Baiden Parsons, Hay and Tobi Horton scored for the Bulldogs to see them lead by a point heading in to the final term. Bunbury did not concede a goal in the last quarter and were crowned premiers with a 7.12 (54) to 6.8 (44) win. The Bulldogs victory was soured by ultimate clubman Randall Hodgson being ruled out due to an untimely knee injury. Bunbury Football Club president Tom Busher said Hodgson was “one of those heart and soul guys around the club” who had been involved in the club for a long time. “He has seen the highs and lows during that time when the ressies were pushing it uphill,” Busher said. “It was really heartbreaking that he was not able to be a part of it, but in saying this, 50-odd guys were part of it over the year. “They are a really tight crew, the reserves team, and it is just a pity you can’t run out with 50 on a field.”