Eaton Boomers have become a contender for the 2018 South West Football League premiership title following their convincing display against Bunbury Bulldogs on Sunday.
PC Payne Park played host to a compelling clash between the two sides, with fans from both coming out in droves.
The reigning premiers took charge in the first term, as star player Brett Peake made his presence known.
After Peake’s first goal, both teams upped the ante to deliver fast, aggressive football throughout the first term.
Bunbury took advantage of Eaton’s sluggish start, before Peake kicked his second to extend the home side’s margin.
The crowd reacted uproariously as forward Matt Martin took a mark 30 metres out with one hand, setting him up for his first and only goal of the game.
The Boomers were reinvigorated after Brandon Jetta kicked his first shortly before the quarter-time siren.
Goals to Kelvin Lawrence and Connor Gadecki put the visitors in front by one at the first change.
The Boomers set up numerous chances early in the second term.
After kicking three consecutive points, Eaton celebrated as Jayme Osiejak kicked his first of two goals for the quarter.
Bunbury’s defence crumbled under the might of Eaton’s forward line, while attempts made by the Bulldogs drifted wide.
Peake gave the home side hope with his third goal. However, the forward could only watch as Boomer Herman Humphries kicked his side’s sixth.
After controlling possession and plays through the midfield, Eaton went on to clinch a 6.4.45 to 4.2.26 half-time lead.
Despite winning the majority of the rucks, Bunbury was outmatched by Eaton’s midfielders and forwards in the second half.
Two early attempts from Peake went through the point posts, before Boomer Joshua Branchi delivered a perfect kick from a set shot in front of goals.
Following Bulldog Jesse Gribble’s goal midway through the third term, Jetta kicked his second to help maintain the Boomers’ convincing margin.
Peake earned himself his fourth goal, as Bunbury showed signs of launching a comeback.
The side benefited from its share of smothers, but suffered after sending several kicks out on the full.
Braiden Mcmullen’s kick from the midfield set up Jackson Oliver for the Bulldogs’ seventh goal prior to three-quarter time.
However, errors from Bunbury’s defenders led to Graham Jetta’s first goal and a 17-point margin to Eaton at the final change.
While facing the wrath of Eaton’s forward line, Bulldogs defender Matthew Scott tapped the Boomers’ first attempt for the quarter over the line.
Bunbury’s form went downhill fast, as Karl Collard and Lawrence’s goals came in quick succession.
Humphries’ kick found Jetta in the goalsquare. In a sign of sportsmanship, Jetta set up Luke Ramsay to kick Eaton’s twelfth of the clash.
The visitors went on to slot two more goals, making for a 14.14.98 to 7.9.51 full-time scoreline in Eaton’s favour.
The result placed Eaton third on the ladder, with the Bulldogs close behind in fourth.
Bunbury takes on Busselton next weekend, whom scored a convincing 14.13.97 to 8.7.55 win over bottom-placed Harvey in round 10.
South Bunbury moved from third to second on the leaderboard thanks to a 12.12.84 to 11.12.78 victory over Carey Park.
The loss saw the Panthers shift down to fifth ahead of round 11.
Collie clinched its third win of the season by taking down Augusta-Margaret River, 12.5.77 to 8.8.56.
Donnybrook retained top spot by scoring a 15.9.99 to 9.10.64 result over Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault at VC Mitchell Park.
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