SWFL 2023: Finals hopes fade for Bulls, Houghton torments former club with seven goals, Magpies win big

The Harvey Bulls’ faint finals hopes appear almost over, following Sunday’s 13.6 (84) to 7.11 (53) loss against Donnybrook at the Harvey Recreation Ground. Needing to essentially win every game for the remainder of the season and garnering help from elsewhere, Mark Pink’s side was jumped by the Dons in the opening five minutes of the game and never fully gained a foothold in the contest. For the Dons, Jeff Smith booted five goals, while Sam Lewis battled hard for the home side. At a boggy Payne Park, Bunbury spearhead Joel Houghton tormented his old club Eaton, booting seven goals in the Bulldogs’ big win, 20.14 (134) to 10.9 (69). At times, the Boomers were well and truly in the contest, with their ball use along both wings damaging. Unfortunately for coach Chris Kinninmont, the visitors were unable to string enough of their best football together for long enough and were routinely stung by Bunbury goals booted in time-on. The Boomers got to within 17 points midway during the third term after it appeared as though they were out of business by half-time. However a quick reply from Dylan Heasman kick-started a run of six unanswered Bulldogs goals, with Houghton the chief offender during this purple patch. Along with Houghton and Jesse Gribble dominating, promoted colts sensation Mason Hawkes was in everything. Aside from his work-rate, the youngster wasn’t afraid to put his head over the ball and create a contest at every opportunity. For lengthy stages at Dunsborough Playing Fields, it looked as though in-form Carey Park were on course for a shock loss against the Dunsborough Sharks, who trailed by only eight points at the final change. The Panthers, led by Rory O’Brien, held firm in the end, running out 11.7 (73) to 8.4 (52) victors. On Saturday, Busselton extended their undefeated streak to 16 games, defeating South Bunbury 10.13 (73) to 4.8 (32) at Hands Oval. While the Tigers held a five-point lead by quarter time following a fast-paced start, Busselton fought back as both sides exchanged goals. With Busselton leading by a goal going into the second half, there was plenty of intensity as players engaged in push and shove before the third quarter began. In the midst of Busselton making a fast start, an ongoing niggle between Dylan Patterson and Jay Crossman saw both of them escorted from the field with a yellow card each. Three unanswered goals saw the Magpies extend their lead out to 25-points by the final change. South Bunbury’s defences continued to be under immense pressure during the final term as Busselton kept kicking away to keep their undefeated streak alive. By the final siren, Busselton held strong to win by 41 points, with Mitch Tenardi, Jackson Arbon and Ethan Bowman among their best, while Cole Swayer, Jace Cormack and Jesse Crichton were among the best for South Bunbury.