Previews: South West Football League | round 2

Round one consistently throws up possibilities and questions of which teams will be strong or weak in the coming season, so followers look to round two for a better perspective on their sides.

This season has started no differently.

Round one gave us some expected results, which leaves us with the same questions we had prior to it.

So, as fans of the league, we seek more clarity.

Is Carey Park really as good as we think they are? Can Donnybrook really push for that finals berth?

Hopefully round two provides a bit more insight.

It may be early days, but this is a huge game for both sides.

Both sit 1-0 after wins in round one and were both impressive in the later stages of their victories.

However, early on in their matches, it could have been said that a better would have exposed them – but is there a better team?

It’s still unclear as to whether Brandon and Graham Jetta will be available for the Panthers on the weekend, which gives this game a much closer feel to it.

If they play, an epic midfield battle awaits with the pair taking on Dan McGinlay and Chris Kane.

Star power has forced my hand to pick the Panthers in this match, but I’m definitely aware of the underrated talent the Magpies boast.

Aidan Fraser often goes under the radar but he popped up with a best on ground performance last week.

Ethan Bowman is a talented youngster and Lance Lucas marks the ball well.

However, watching Kieran King, Loki Lawrence and Heath Stewart all put in good performances for Carey Park solidified my resolve in tipping the Panthers.

An intriguing battle, this one earns the title of game of the round.

Tip: Carey Park

Margin: 14 points

A bout between two sides truly moving in opposite directions, this game leans toward a hefty victory for the Dons.

Bunbury’s young side fell victim to the upcoming Lions last week and now they face another team with aspirations of climbing the ladder.

Donnybrook was impressive in their win over Collie last week and will be looking to be 2-0 with a win at home over the Bulldogs this week.

However, don’t count out the Dogs just yet.

They may not have got the awe-inspiring start to the season they wanted but they’ll be hungry for a win here.

They may be young but Bunbury still has players around the ground that can do damage.

Brad Blake is a slick mover around the midfield while Codey Hay and Glen Howison bring the seniority to the side.

But unfortunately, a Bunbury win here is only foreseeable if Donnybrook takes them too lightly.

If Donnybrook is up and about, they should be able to handle the young Dogs.

Jeff Smith and David Roche can both be looked to for big games here.

Tip: Donnybrook

Margin: 52 points

This Hawks v Eagles clash has the makings of a terrific game and should be a close encounter between the two.

Both are sitting outside of the top five with losses in round one and will want to even things up this week.

Collie was dismal last week against the Dons and will want a better effort this time around, while AMR was impressive against Busselton but fell by the wayside in the last term.

I’m backing AMR to take the points in this game off the back of a huge effort from Hamish Shepheard.

Shepheard is a force around the ground, taking big marks and moving quickly.

He’s joined in that by Vaughan Colyer and it will take an almighty effort from Collie’s entire 22 to stop the pair.

Richard Devitt should also help the Hawks in this one.

Collie does boast their own talent and has what it takes to wins this one, but I don’t see it happening.

Matt Michael, Corey Griggs and Tony Mirabella are all damaging players.

But Shepheard’s influence could go uncontested in this game, leading to an AMR win.

Tip: Augusta-Margaret River

Margin: 22 points

You could argue that this rivalry is the biggest in the South West Football League, and you wouldn’t be far off the mark.

Although I think South Bunbury’s rivalry with the Bunbury Bulldogs takes the cake on that one, there is certainly no love lost between the Lions and Bulls.

These sides bare no liking to each other and it is always a fiery clash, but this time around seems like the match could be a lot closer than other encounters.

My tip of the Harvey Bulls seems to have drawn some friendly jabs from my co-workers and in all honesty, the smart tip would have been HBL.

They won their round one match by 46 points, whereas Harvey lost theirs by 39 (although there opposition in those matches could finish on opposite ends of the ladder).

But I’m breaking the golden rule here, and I’m throwing form out the window.

Harvey’s bigger bodies in the midfield are what swayed me.

HBL still boasts a relatively lean midfield and could feel the pinch of Harvey’s bigger bodies.

Ryan Mooney, David Faulkner and Josh Krispyn are all hard enough players who could make a difference here.

Star recruit Andrew McDougall could also be looked at for a big game for the Bulls in this one.

For the Lions, Keegan Fortescue could be looked at for his second strong performance in a row along with Matt Doherty.

Maybe I'm just not taking the Lions seriously enough yet, but at least I'll know the answer to that by Sunday.

Tip: Harvey Bulls

Margin: 4 points

A grand final rematch, this game could make for an intriguing battle.

South Bunbury’s second half against Carey Park last week left much to be desired as the side only registered four goals to their opposition’s 10.

Eaton on the other hand ran their game out well, posting a 39 point win against Harvey away from home.

Much was made of both of these sides losing players over the off-season, but it seems to have affected the Tigers more than it has Eaton.

South Bunbury was dealt the toughest start to the season possible, facing the premiership favourites and then backing it up against the reigning premiers.

However, if they can compete with the Boomers for four quarters, their credentials as a contender could be reinstated.

The midfield battle looms as a delight for spectators here.

Last week South Bunbury’s midfield battled hard against the Panthers, and it will need to back that performance up here.

Tim Yarran, Brent Piercey, Chris Atthowe and Kane Bloxsidge all form a quick group for the Boomers that move the ball with precision.

South Bunbury will combat this with Matt Giacci, Shaun Crane, Damon Bull and Ben Jerez.

This game could go down to the wire, but if South Bunbury don’t put in a fourth quarter effort, Eaton could win comfortably.

Tip: Eaton Boomers

Margin: 16 points