SWFL 2017: Bunbury Bulldogs win pre-season carnival

Taking on last year’s runners up Collie in game one at Payne Park, the Bulldogs started fast and put early scoreboard pressure on the Eagles. 

A small rally in the second term kept Collie in the hunt but by the end, Bunbury had prevailed 10.6.66 – 7.1.43. 

The Bulldogs then backed up against Carey Park and had the young Panthers side on the back foot.

Full forward Matt Martin was on fire for Bunbury collecting 11 majors across the two games to give Bunbury it’s second victory. 

The final score was 10.1.61 – 2.6.18. 

The Eagles faced Carey Park in the third Payne Park game and continued to dish out pain to the Panthers, claiming victory 4.3.27 – 1.3.9. 

With Busselton unable to field a side for the pre-season carnival, Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault accepted a late scheduling change to visit the Harvey Recreation Ground. 

In game one they faced their cross-town rivals, the Harvey Bulls, who were slow to get going but took the upper hand in the second half to win 7.4.46 – 4.4.28. 

The Lions then remained on the field to face Eaton. Here the warm-up against Harvey paid dividends with HBL finding their range to triumph 12.1.73 – 7.4.46. 

Harvey returned to take on the Boomers in game three and were sluggish early, having had an hour off the field. 

Meanwhile, a pumped up Eaton side slotted the first two majors. Harvey rallied late in the first half to tie the score at 2.3.15 apiece at the break. 

The second half was an entertaining arm-wrestle which showed these two teams mean business in 2017. 

Slick Bulls recruit Brendon Jones sold the Boomer’s midfields plenty of candy on the eastern wing and repeatedly fed his forwards with inside 50s. 

The final major of the game to Harvey’s Lachlan Sharpe sealed the win 5.8.38 – 4.4.28. 

WATCH: Harvey Bulls coach Paul Fimmano’s post-match interview. 

VC Mitchell Park in Donnybrook played host to the final three sides with the Dons up first against Augusta-Margaret River. 

The Hawks had a roll on early, kicking the first two majors. The Dons started to find more of the ball late in the first half but lacked pace against AMR’s explosive half-back line. 

The second half saw the Hawks inch further away from the Dons and by the final siren the score was 6.3.39 – 3.2.20. 

Reigning premiers South Bunbury hit the park for their first clash against Augusta-Margaret River and made it clear early they were here to win. 

Early majors to Jon Meadmore and Leigh Kohlmann set the Tigers up well and they continued to tighten the screws throughout the entire match to win 8.10.58 – 2.1.13. 

The Dons showed an improved hunger and match awareness in their final game to defeat South Bunbury 10.5.65 – 4.3.27. 

WATCH: Donnybrook coach Julian Burgess’ post-match interview.

For topping the pre-season ladder, the Bunbury Bulldogs received a cheque for $1500. 

This Saturday the SWFL women’s competition will host its inaugural pre-season competition before round one of the regular season kicks off on Saturday, April 15.