SWFL 2022: South Bunbury claim Reserves flag in epic come-from-behind victory over Augusta-Margaret River

After years of falling short at the semi-finals, South Bunbury have finally shaken the monkey off their back to claim their 15th SWFL Reserves premiership, defeating Augusta-Margaret River by nine points. South Bunbury and Augusta-Margaret River went head to head in the SWFL Reserves Grand Final at Hands Oval on Sunday in what was an exciting match-up for the first contest between the two clubs for the day. After an early scrap in the centre of the field, Augusta-Margaret River got on the board first with a major, only for South Bunbury’s Adam Hunter to quickly respond with a goal of his own. While the early stages of the opening quarter continued to play out in the Hawks’ goal square, the Tigers put the pressure on to keep scoring opportunities to a minimum. A second Hunter goal put South Bunbury ahead, with Sam Berridge responding for the Hawks to keep the scores level. The Hawks attempted to continue building momentum in the late stages of the quarter but only managed a Thomas McDonald goal out of three scoring opportunities. At quarter time, the Hawks led 3.2 (20) to 2.0 (12). The Hawks were quick to step up the defence on South Bunbury early in the second term, although Hunter was able to capitalise on a 50m penalty to score his third goal for the day. With both sides showing plenty of aggression and physicality, Troy Bennell managed his first goal for the match to bring the Tigers back in front. Not willing to give up easily, the Hawks continued their strong defensive approach and made the most out of strong ruck work from David Hill to take back the lead with a Cody Rodgers major. At the main break, Hawks led 4.5 (29) to 4.1 (25). The Hawks managed a fast start in the early stages of the third term while a couple of brainfades saw South Bunbury conceding 50m penalties. While the Hawks capitalised with a goal via Finn MacShane, South Bunbury came roaring back to take the lead with goals via Hunter, Craig Whyte, and an impressive goal via Bennell from the pocket. By the final change, the momentum shifted to South Bunbury, who led 7.3 (45) to 5.7 (37). South Bunbury continued working hard in the final term to maintain their lead, with Hunter producing his fifth goal early. Despite a response from the Hawks, the Tigers took control with another goal via Bennell from the pocket and a second for Whyte, capitalising on impressive midfield work by Kurt Cadman and Hayden Krikke. Although the Hawks fought hard to try and make a comeback, their efforts proved futile, with South Bunbury holding on to claim the premiership 10.4 (64) to 8.7 (55). Premiership coach Jordan Vague said he was very proud of his squad after they had been tested all day and all throughout the finals series. “We’ve been challenged in the last three weeks of finals and our backs were up against the wall but we always come back,” he said. “We had more than 22 contributors and our squad has been fantastic all year, the whole lot of them.” Vague said after starting the season strongly but dropping a few games, the boys were ready to claw their way back to the top. “We started well in the year and we looked like we could finish top two but we dropped a couple of games we probably shouldn’t have dropped and ended up in fourth. “We had a hard-fought win against HBL by five points and the next two were tough against Bunbury and the Harvey Bulls. “The boys get challenged every week but they just keep coming back and getting the win, so very proud of everyone involved.” South Bunbury’s Kurt Cadman was named the best on ground for the match, taking home the Don Punch MLA trophy.