The Eaton Boomers were simply too good for the Busselton Magpies on Saturday, with a hefty 40 point victory over the home team.
Not long after the first bounce, Eaton had already slotted two goals while the Pies did not convert a major until the 18th minute mark.
A goal from Ethan Bowman brought Busselton within touch, with just two points between the sides.
However, Boomer Tanner Allen quickly responded with a goal.
Busselton had a chance to get one back but squandered the opportunity.
A late goal by Aaron Jetta after a huge mark, meant the Boomers led going into the first break by seven points.
Eaton began to pull away from the home side in the second term.
Again, they were straight into their forward line from the bounce down.
The Pies allowed a seven point play occur after Brandon Jetta missed an easy shot and Aaron Jetta was able to rectify with a turnover from the defensive kick in.
Busselton managed to get it back to their inside 50, only for an easy shot in front to be missed by Matt Welburn.
Eaton forward Brandon Jetta capitalised on the Busselton’s fumbles and booted one straight through the posts.
There were glimpses of brilliance from Busselton with captain Aidan Fraser showing composure in one awesome scene to keep the ball in play and set up Jed Kemp for a goal.
Liam Creighton’s determination was on show with a series of hard tackles and shrugging off the opposition.
It wasn’t enough with the Boomers leading by 20 at main break, with 7.7 (49) to 4.5 (29).
More missed opportunities and silly mistakes in the third led to Eaton pulling further away going into the final quarter leading 11.10 (76) to 5.7 (37).
A late push by Busselton and a three goal quarter by Reegan Mrsich wasn’t enough for the Pies, with the Boomers securing a convincing win 14.13 (97) to 8.9 (57).
Mrsich finished with a stunning six for the match.
For the Boomers, Aaron Jetta finished with four, Heath Ryder with three and Brandon Jetta with two.
Busselton Magpies coach Steve Lester said his side just never quite got it together.
“We just struggled to get it flowing,” he said.
“There were poor decisions and the ball movement was not where it needed to be.”
Lester said it was a disappointing result, given on paper, it was a pretty even match up.
“They played well, and taking nothing away from them, we didn’t,” he said.
“Eaton just didn’t give up and set up behind the ball really well.
“When they won the footy, they used it well against us.”
Lester said the squad showed some grit in the last quarter but only a few positives could be taken from the performance.
“It probably couldn’t get much worse,” he said.
“There were a lot of ordinary patches and we haven’t played nearly at the standard of the first round.
“That’s the positive, we know we can reach that, it isn’t a maybe, we can play that well, we just need to do it again.”
It doesn’t get easier for Busselton, with the team taking on top-of-the-ladder Collie Eagles in round four.
“For us it will not so much be the result or the outcome but how we approach the game on game day,” he said.
“Everyone has wins and losses, it’s a fairly even competition. Collie had a hiccup on the weekend but they are still the side to beat.
“When it is all said and done, I’d be very surprised if they aren’t in the top three at the end of season. It will be tough but that’s what it is about, to get better you’ve got to play against these sides.”
Busselton versus Collie Eagles will be held at Sir Stewart Bovell Park on May 5.
Bounce down is 11am for Colts, 1.10pm for Reserves, 3.20pm for Womens and 4.40pm for League.
