The Bunbury Bulldogs claimed top spot on the South West Football League ladder with a 14-point win over Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault on Sunday afternoon.
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Eager fans gathered at PC Payne Park, ready for a tough, bruising re-play of 2017’s grand final.
Braving the topsy-turvy conditions, both clubs were excited for all things football.
The visitors, coming off a loss to Harvey last weekend, were determined to not be crushed by Bunbury.
HBL handled play effectively and made several of attempts at goal. Bunbury’s midfield, however, struggled to get the ball into its side’s forward 50.
Chances for star forward Brett Leake were blocked by Lions’ defender Jonathon Fenwick.
HBL was dealt a significant blow in the first quarter, as Jack Strand was taken off the ground with ligament damage to his right ankle.
Despite the setback, HBL fought bravely to repel the Bulldogs’ forwards.
Bunbury picked up steam, before Peake’s kick towards the goal line was tapped through by Ben Frazer.
The Bulldog’s backline could not prevent HBL’s first goal, delivered by David Newman.
Fans and players roared as a tussle broke out near the goal square after Newman’s effort.
Bunbury second goal, kicked smoothly by Travis Justins, helped Bunbury to a 2.3.15 to 1.2.8 lead at quarter time.
Affected by the chilly winds and hit-and-miss first quarter, HBL coach Derek Hall wanted more from his side.
He urged his team to be proactive, and asked the vast contingent of younger players to “play like men”.
His advice hit home: “Commit to the ball and make a decision”.
The Lions strived to kick the first goal of the quarter. Ben Busslinger’s first shot sailed across the face of goal and hit the point post.
Minutes after Busslinger’s attempt, Bunbury’s Trent Gribble reacted quickly off a throw-in and kicked his first goal.
Following two failed attempts at goal by the Lions, Peake launched a snap kick around his body to extend Bunbury’s lead.
HBL’s Zavier Williams gave the fans hope shortly before half time.
However, Mark Longbottom’s effort close to the 50m line gave Bunbury a comfortable lead by the main break.
Having recovered from their middling first half, the Lions shone early in the second.
Two goals from Busslinger bewildered the home side’s defenders and brought the margin down to four points.
Brayden Prentice then slotted a set shot to give the visitors the lead for the first time in the match.
Soon after, Bradley Blake’s first goal saw Bunbury snatch the lead right back.
Attempts from Bunbury and HBL sailed wide, while both coaches became increasingly frustrated with their players.
Bulldogs coach Jamie Nani gathered his troops at the break and discussed his side’s penchant for keeling over in the third term.
Looking for early goals in the fourth quarter, Nani pushed his players to increase possession, keep scoring and shut HBL down around the ground.
The fourth quarter gifted Bunbury with the advantage of the wind.
Peake’s second goal elicited cheers from the home crowd, before Tyson Wood’s effort put the game out of reach with three minutes remaining.
Keeping HBL scoreless in the final term, Bunbury’s sublime fourth quarter led to a 8.6.54 to 5.10.40 victory.
After the clash, Nani said the team will work on avoiding third-quarter fade-outs in the future.
The league leaders have a weekend off before travelling down to Gloucester Park to take on Augusta-Margaret River Hawks in round five.
HBL, needing a win in round five, will host Eaton Boomers at Brunswick Oval on May 20.
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