The Eaton Boomers have their sights firmly set on claiming the 2018 South West Football League premiership title.
Going into their clash with Busselton at Glen Huon Reserve, the Boomers were in good stead.
Prior to the Landmark Carnival weekend, the side was superb against Bunbury and Collie.
Meanwhile, Busselton was longing for its fifth win and a chance to move into the top six.
In front of a strong Eaton crowd, both teams ran out onto the field and quickly acclimatised to the chilly conditions.
The Magpies went on the attack after the opening bouncedown, giving Eaton’s backline a run for its money.
Although play remained in Busselton’s forward 50 during the first five minutes, the Boomers were strong enough to halt the visitors’ momentum.
A solid kick down the ground made its way to Eaton forward Heath Ryder, leading to their first goal of the clash.
Busselton floundered as Boomers’ stars Brandon Jetta and Gino Catalano continually found free players in their forward 50.
Errors from Busselton’s defenders resulted in impressive goals to Graham and Brandon Jetta.
Goals to Aidan Fraser and Mitchell Tenardi then saw Busselton catch up to Eaton late in the first term.
Despite strong performances from Magpies’ defenders Brody Plozza and Zac Pethybridge, Eaton’s midfielders were more than imposing.
Michael Thompson’s effort ensured an 11-point lead in Eaton’s favour at quarter time.
Gaining possession from the rucks, Busselton began its second quarter campaign promisingly.
Overcoming the strong wind and cold rain, both midfields moved play around the ground and kept the ball moving.
The entertaining second term saw Fraser and Brandon Jetta slot the ball between the big sticks.
Jackson Arbon and Ethan Bowman’s goals helped Busselton to move within five points of Eaton, before Isiah Winder extended Eaton’s margin with his first of the game.
Soon after, a promising snap kick from Fraser was impressively stopped by Boomer Jayme Osiejak in the goalsquare.
Despite being ahead by 13 at the main break, Eaton were troubled early in the third quarter.
Soon after, Herman Humphries broke Eaton’s string of misses and gave his side a comfortable lead.
Fraser delighted Busselton fans with another goal, before Thompson delivered a spot-on kick to Jarrod Humphries deep inside Eaton’s forward 50.
Aided by a strong wind, several free kicks in their favour, and Herman Humphries’ second of the game, the Boomers gained a 27-point lead at the final change.
Hampered by Eaton’s collection of powerful midfielders, Busselton struggled to prevent goals from Luke Ramsay and Herman Humphries.
Undeterred by Eaton’s backline, Magpie Steven Cameron slotted two perfect snap kicks around the body to keep his side engaged.
The Boomers’ 13.10.88 to 9.8.62 victory puts them one win behind Donnybrook after 12 games.
The Dons were left baffled after their 6.10.46 to 2.4.16 loss to the Collie Eagles at VC Mitchell Park.
In Saturday’s Harvey/Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault derby clash, the Lions kept themselves in the top six with a 5.7.37 to 4.2.26 win.
In Sunday’s other clashes, Augusta-Margaret River positioned itself just outside the top six with a narrow win over South Bunbury at Hands Oval.
Two goals each from Brett Dobson and Ben Gerrans led to the Hawks’ 6.11.47 to 6.6.42 victory.
Reigning premiers Bunbury endured a tough clash with Carey Park, going to win 10.7.67 to 4.9.33.
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