To say the South West Football League grand final was thrilling, is an understatement, with the match going down to the wire.
There was around 4,000 people who went through the gates, providing a great atmosphere for the players.
The wind acted as an extra player on the field, providing a clear advantage to the teams kicking to the northern end.
Bunbury had this advantage in the first quarter and quickly kicked three unanswered goals.
Even though Busselton managed to kick one goal against the wind, and momentum, the Bulldogs dominated the first term with six majors.
However it was clear that switching ends would also switch momentum for Busselton going into the second quarter.
Busselton had 10 scoring shots in the second term and probably could have put the first nail in Bunbury's coffin if they kicked straighter.
The Bulldogs were goalless in the second quarter, barely making it into their 50.
Busselton went into the main break with four point lead of 6.6 (42) to 6.2 (38).
As you could predict, the lead changed again in the third quarter, with Bunbury kicking four goals and six behinds.
The Bulldogs' Cameron Hay was having a great day out in front of the big posts, kicking four for the day.
Busselton didn't let Bunbury run away with it and was able to kick two goals against the wind.
While Bunbury were in the lead, they still looked vulnerable to Busselton's midfield who never let up for four quarters.
Busselton also looked super focused, knowing what was at stake in the last term.
In the last huddle for the match, each coach took a different tactic.
Busselton's was calm and collected while Bunbury's was animated.
The spectators were in for an impressive last quarter.
It was a tight and tense fourth term with only three goals kicked between the two teams.
Busselton kicked two goals and three behinds which proved to be their downfall.
The Bulldogs only needed one goal, in which they achieved late in the quarter.
But it was still anyone's game, which kept the fans on the edge of their seats.
It took me back to 2012 when Busselton drew with Collie in the grand final.
However, with rules changing since then, the result would have still decided yesterday.
Just before the siren sounded, Busselton's Jed Kemp took a mark near the 50 metre line, giving them one last chance for what could of been an incredible victory.
As he was going back for the kick, the siren went and the Bunbury fans bellowed out in trying to deter him from kicking the winning goal.
The kick was pretty good off the boot but did not make the distance, leaving him devastated and the weight of the loss on his shoulders.
The final score was 10.9 (69) to 11.8 (74).
There was plenty of choice on who would take out best on ground Pike Medal for the day with Jackson Arbon and Austin Styles standing for Busselton, while Bunbury's Jesse Gribble, Cameron Hay and Harry Creasey were impressive.
It was the ever consistent, Gribble who took out the honours.
Jemillah Dawson
I started as a journalist in 2011 and now manage mastheads in the South West of WA. My passion is politics and sport. I believe we are the voice for the community but also we inform the community of what they need to know. Email jemillah.dawson@austcommunitymedia.com.au
I started as a journalist in 2011 and now manage mastheads in the South West of WA. My passion is politics and sport. I believe we are the voice for the community but also we inform the community of what they need to know. Email jemillah.dawson@austcommunitymedia.com.au
