Carey Park claimed their 10th victory of the season on Sunday when a breakout performance from Brayden Mann lifted the Panthers over a spirited Bunbury Bulldogs outfit.
Mann’s use of the football in a pressure-filled game teamed with his play-making from half back led his side to an 11.6.72 to 17.8.110 victory.
Carey Park started the game with the hot hand moving freely for the opening ten minutes and recording goals through Matt Martin and Graham Jetta.
But Bunbury upped their pressure after easing into the match and hit back through the boot of Liam Maguire.
Bunbury’s skills appeared a touch better than Carey Park’s as the ball went back and forth through the corridor for the remainder of the quarter.
Connor Walker was showing good signs for the Bulldogs while Harry Creasey helped link up play.
But the intriguing matchups all seemed to be in Carey Park’s forward line, where Bunbury’s Kane Bumann was defending Michael McMillan and Codey Hay took to watching Martin.
The Bulldogs pressure through the middle forced some bad entries forward for Carey Park, gifting the pair of defenders an advantage in the air.
But Martin still managed to bag two goals in the first quarter while McMillan moved up the ground to provide an option as Carey Park took a five-point lead into the first change.
The Bulldogs fell away in the second quarter as Carey Park piled on four goals to one.
Mann continued to use the ball well and find the smart option, while new recruit Cody Haub showed he is a great addition to the Panthers’ forward line as he booted two goals in the term.
Carey Park took a 25-point lead into the main break.
But a huge third quarter from Maguire gave the Bulldogs hope.
After Carey Park started the quarter well, Bunbury hit back as Maguire kicked three goals in the third to take his tally to five for the game.
Mitchell Houwen and Cameron Lamonaca also hit the scoreboard for the Dogs as they brought the game within two goals, but Martin and Liam Stewart countered late for the Panthers to give Carey Park a 20-point buffer at the final change.
Bunbury needed a big push in the fourth quarter but could not manage to compete with the Panthers.
Clint Garlett booted three majors in the final quarter while Martin kicked his fourth.
Next week the Panthers return home to face Donnybrook in a huge clash while Bunbury will face the top-of-the-table Eaton.
Pictures by Justin Rake.
