The Bunbury Bulldogs became the South West Football League’s first ever women’s premiers with a three point win over the Harvey Bulls on Sunday.
A huge crowd turned out for the history-making grand final match up, cheering heartily as both sides came out onto the field.
The Bulldogs took control early of the game with the majority of play in Bunbury’s half.
Bunbury’s Trisha Lake looked a little nervous and kicked two behinds early.
Both sides made errors and gave up turnovers through out the first quarter.
Harvey won the majority of the rucking contests, while both teams landed their share of rough tackles and bumps.
Bulldogs Shanice Hill and Casey Zappia controlled possession across their side’s half forward line before Lake kicked the first goal.
Despite the best efforts of Harvey defenders Shelby Atherton and Tia Triscari, Bunbury held a 1.2.8 to 0.0.0 lead at the first change.
Michelle Mullins kicking the Bull’s first point as Harvey’s form picked up in the second quarter.
Bull Courtney Bayliss kicked into the forward line to give Matilda Tinker a shot on goal. She slotted it comfortably to cut the margin to a single point at the main break – 1.2.8 to 1.1.7.
Points to Lake and Hill kept Bunbury in front early in the third quarter.
Bayliss tore through the Bulldogs’ defence before her side came close to scoring its second goal. But neither side found a major during the premiership quarter with the board reading 1.4.10 to 1.1.7 at the final change.
The fourth quarter saw Harvey maintain possession after the bounce down.
Larissa Versaci capitalised on a 50-metre penalty decision to put her side in front midway through the term.
With the game on the line, the Bulldogs had to push hard and with the ball locked in their forward 50, it was Lilly Taylor who managed to find the winner for Bunbury.
The final score was 2.4.16 to 2.1.13.
Bulldog Karen Cowley was named as best-on-ground while Peter Worsfold and SWFL president Barry Tate presented Bunbury with the premiership flag and the SWFL Women’s Trophy respectively.