SWFL 2023: Third quarter burst lifts Augusta-Margaret River past inaccurate Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault

Five unanswered third quarter goals propelled Augusta-Margaret River to a 26-point victory over an inaccurate Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault on Saturday at Brunswick Oval. Despite miserable conditions throughout, Brett Dobson and Simon Moore led the Hawks in style throughout the 11.5 (71) to 5.15 (45) victory. Both sides found picking up the football tough early in the game, due to the waterlogged turf, although the Lions adapted quicker to the conditions. Although they managed to win their fair share of possession in the opening term, the reigning premiers were held scoreless — despite having eight forward entries. This fact did not go unnoticed by Hawks coach Matt Jamieson during his quarter time address to the playing group. “We had eight forward 50 entries, four dropped marks and have been held scoreless again — being held scoreless again this year is something I’m sick of seeing,” he said. “Let’s play the percentages and win the one on ones.” With Jamieson’s words ringing in their ears, the Hawks burst out of the traps in the second quarter, booting two goals in the opening five minutes, which trimmed the Lions’ lead to five points. At times, the home side looked extremely polished when moving the ball down the ground, however 1.5 for the term did little in terms of reward for effort on the scoreboard. The Lions were made to pay for their 3.12 (30) first half ouput, with the Hawks eventually finding their rhythm courtesy of Dobson, Zac Dronow and Oscar Armstrong. Trailing by 13 points at the final change, Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault made one last tilt at victory, despite a number of players appearing to have carried injuries throughout the game. Ned Gaulter’s impressive goal at the 10-minute mark of the final term put the Lions within a point of the Hawks, however this would be as close as they would get. Unfortunately for the home side, emotions began to spill over at times — climaxing in a yellow card to Ty Armitage — which appeared to galvanise the Hawks, who booted three late goals in time-on to inflate their final winning margin. Augusta-Margaret River’s remote hopes of finishing in fifth spot remain alive for another week, however in order to remain in contention, they will need to win all of their games and hope Bunbury lose a handful of matches prior to the end of the home and away season.