It would seem after over half a season of inconsistent football the Bunbury Bulldogs have finally found their feet and are making a charge for that elusive top five spot.
After a 22-point win over South Bunbury at Hands Oval on Sunday the Bulldogs have now beaten the top two sides in as many weeks and are looking the goods to play finals football this September.
Bunbury opened the game with a bang coming out of the blocks early kicking five goals to one in the first quarter.
Youngster Ethan McGuire was getting busy around the ground early while best on ground Jesse Gribble was also able to do some damage for the Bulldogs as they recorded goals through McGuire, Jordan Adamson-Holmes, Codey Hay, Clint Garlett and Ryan Sheehan.
The Tigers upped the pressure in the second quarter as Guy Piggot and Patrick Ryan were able to tally majors for their team.
But the Bulldogs backline showed they can be competitive for the second week in a row keeping the game under control as the Bulldogs were able to pile on two more and maintain a four goal lead at the half time break.
Bunbury opened the scoring for the second half with a goal to Rowan McDonald but South Bunbury would not give in.
The Tigers began to press hard at the Bulldogs and with hard effort around the ground from Wes Lammie and Damon Bull, the Tigers were able to score through the boots of Leith Dower and Dylan Harper, however Bunbury still maintained a four goal lead at the last change.
The fourth quarter started with a tense atmosphere among the Bulldogs fans and it took a magnificent mark from Hay in his 150th game topped off with the first goal of the quarter to help them find voice again.
Another two goals to Bulldogs’ Hay and McDonald were made possible from hard work from Sheehan and Grady Byrne, which would see the game beyond the reach of the depleted Tigers outfit.
Tempers began to flare as Tiger Kane Bumann was shown a yellow card, while South Bunbury began to make a charge on the scoreboard.
It was too little too late however as four consecutive Tigers goals still saw them beaten 9.9-63 to 12.13-85.
Next week Bunbury will take on Collie who are placed third on the ladder and have posted three wins from their past three matches.
A win for Bunbury will mean they have beaten the top three teams in as many weeks, which surely posts a statement to opposing teams.
Bunbury currently reside at sixth on the SWFL ladder equal on points with Busselton who face the top of the table Eaton Boomers next weekend, so a win for Bunbury would almost certainly see them in the top five.
South Bunbury will be looking forward to the return of key players such as Captain Matt Giacci and Tyson Lee over the next few weeks and will face Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault at Brunswick Oval next Sunday.