SWFL 2022: Harvey Bulls continue finals journey with 21-point upset win over 2021 grand finalists Busselton

Harvey Bulls’ gritty journey towards a maiden SWFL premiership is set to continue after a last-quarter blitz of goals put an early end to the Busselton Magpies’ grand final redemption story.

Just a week after an incredibly close match saw the Bulls scrape through to the finals, Harvey and Busselton went head to head at Sir Stewart Bovell Park once again in the elimination final.

While Busselton managed to dominate possession early on in the opening quarter, all they could manage was a couple of minor scores.

Looking to capitalise, Harvey managed to fight back with Matthew Wilson kicking truly at the seven minute mark to score the first goal of the afternoon.

As both sides put the pressure on in the tight contest, Busselton’s Jake Dugan managed several intercept marks while Harvey’s Harley Bennell was strong across the half-back line.

At quarter-time, Harvey held the early advantage 1.2 (8) to Busselton’s 0.5 (5).

Keen to build momentum early, the Bulls came charging through the contest early in the second term with Eli Smith, Brad Holmes and Michael Bennell all managing goals, including an impressive pack mark by Holmes and Jarrod Bowman putting on a strong showing in full back.

Not wanting to give up easily, Busselton put the jets on with Mitch Howlett scoring the Magpies’ first major, followed by Liam Creighton and Patterson to fight back from a 27-point deficit.

A second goal from Creighton at the late stages saw the Magpies back in contention by half time, trailing by just three points.

Creighton continued to shine up forward for Busselton during the third term, kicking his third goal of the day around four minutes into the new term to put the Magpies in front.

As Harvey looked to find a way to respond in an arm wrestle, Creighton broke through once again and kicked his fourth, making it six consecutive goals for Busselton.

With the Bulls scrambling to take back the lead, a late response from Tyson Powell brought Harvey back as Busselton held a one-point advantage at the final change.

While it seemed as though the final quarter would bring an intense finish to the elimination final, Harvey managed a fast start and booted four consecutive goals via Holmes, Powell, Smith and Michael Bennell.

Although Busselton tried hard to fight back, with Blake Cann managing a goal, a quick response by Powell sealed the win for the Bulls 11.4 (70) to 7.7 (49), recording their fourth elimination final win from as many matches.