The Collie Eagles Football Club league side made short work of the Busselton Magpies, claiming three points right before the finals series.
Round 16’s clash saw both sides ignore the cooler temperatures and come out onto the field with immense enthusiasm.
The crowd at Collie Recreation Ground was amped up before the game even began.
The Eagles had no problem contending with strong winds or Busselton’s defenders from the outset.
Joel Houghton kicked his first goal almost immediately, before Jayce Fontana slotted his first set shot comfortably.
The visitors weren’t as resilient in the wind, with Magpie Jed Kemp’s attempt drifting wide.
The first quarter saw both sides share possession and deliver short, controlled passes around the midfield.
Midfielders on both sides ducked and weaved through the opposition then set up chances for the forwards.
Houghton kicked another three goals to extend the lead while Busselton’s Aidan Fraser cracked his side’s first for the game.
Busselton’s problems grew as two players were called out in quick succession for holding the ball.
Jebb Swallow’s late-in-the-quarter goal pushed the Eagles lead out to 6.3.39 to 1.1.7 at quarter time.
Eagles league coach Clint Swallow called for his side to be smart about how they set up opportunities, to not miss any tackles and to not get lazy.
Swallow said he wanted the team to be cohesive going into the finals.
As rain fell at the start of the second quarter, Busselton got its form back and developed more chances.
Fraser scored his second goal before Ethan Bowman’s shot drifted wide.
With players slipping and sliding over the ground, both teams found it difficult to keep possession.
Houghton kicked another goal to extend the gap. Busselton’s James Powley quickly responded with his side’s third.
Leading 7.4.46 to 3.3.21 at half time, Swallow told his players to talk all the time and hold their positions.
Play was restricted to the wings and continually spilled over the boundary line early in the third quarter.
Kyle Shanahan landed an impressive handball to set up Travis Cleggett’s first goal for the game.
Goals to Fontana and Cameron Davidson extended the lead. Both teams then struggled to get the ball out of the midfield.
“Don’t take your feet off the gas, come on”, Eagles defender Matt Blackford yelled to keep momentum going.
Falling to a 11.4.70 to 3.4.22 deficit at three quarter time, Busselton coach Steve Lester called for centre forward football in the last quarter.
Busselton’s players pitched in ideas, looking to “get something out of the last quarter”.
The Magpies took Lester’s comments into account and created numerous opportunities in the final term.
Busselton’s snap shots and set shots drifted through the point posts to the fans’ dismay.
The visitors delivered one goal and seven points for the quarter. Houghton scored another goal to put Collie’s lead out of reach.
Busselton’s Matthew Welburn missed a valuable opportunity, choosing to take a snap shot rather than line up in front of goal.
Collie’s coaching staff were vocally displeased with several calls made by the umpires.
Eagle Jesse Ramshaw was taken off the field with injury, before Cleggett’s second goal further ruined Busselton’s day.
Rain failed to prevent Jebb Swallow from kicking another goal before the final siren.
Collie secured a 14.6.90 to 4.11.35 scoreline, happily collecting the win. The side returned to winning form following their 37 point loss to Augusta-Margaret River Hawks in round 15.
Sunday afternoon saw mixed results in the SWFL, with Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault falling to Donnybrook and Bunbury overcoming Carey Park.
The Eagles side remains in third place on the ladder on 48 points. Meanwhile, Busselton is stranded in ninth place with 8 and is likely to have September off.
Collie faces the challenge of Donnybrook at VC Mitchell Park in round 17. The Magpies squad takes on fellow wooden spoon contenders Carey Park.
Goals: Joel Houghton (6), Jebb Swallow (3), Jayce Fontana (2), Travis Cleggett (2), Cameron Davidson (1).
Best on ground: Cameron Davidson (1), Joel Houghton (2), Corey Griggs (3), Blake Shanahan (4), Kyle Shanahan (5), Adam Bignell (6).