Harvey Bulls claim 17-point victory in annual Lockie Hernaman Tribute Match against Collie Eagles

The Harvey Bulls claimed a 17-point victory in their annual Lockie Hernaman Tribute Match against the Collie Eagles on Saturday.

Harvey honoured their mate who died suddenly at a training session on April 30, 2019, as they ran out winners 13.9 (87) to 11.4 (70).

Before the match, the teams gathered in the centre square and Lockie’s grandfather David Hernaman tossed the coin alongside his mother Melissa and sister Kailee.

Both sides went into the clash searching for their first win of the 2022 SWFL season.

The Bulls made the most of a slight breeze and sunny conditions to get the jump on the visitors, but two goals against the run of play from Jack Davidson kept the Eagles in the hunt.

The slick game styles of the sides made for an open and exciting contest, but Collie struggled at times to execute as the Bulls began to make a statement.

With four first half goals from new recruit Tyson Powell, the Bulls had a 38-point lead at the main break, and the players returned to the field keen to ice the game.

But after half-time, the Bulls struggled to click into gear as Collie hit their straps, capitalising on the Bulls’ lack of scoring to get back into the game.

Collie outscored the Bulls for the first time of the match in the third quarter, but an early goal-of-the-year contender from 2021 SWFL leading goal kicker Brad Holmes, who dribbled the ball from the pocket under pressure on his right boot, gave the crowd something to cheer about in an otherwise disappointing term.

The Bulls led 75 to 44 at the last change, but Collie came out firing again to start the last quarter with two unanswered goals to make the home fans nervous.

Harvey struck back, with a final goal from Holmes sinking the visitors hopes and handing new Bulls’ coach Mark Pink his first victory.

After the match, Lockie Hernaman’s sister Kailee, 10, awarded Powell the 2022 Lockie Hernaman Medal as best on ground for his five-goal performance.