SWFL 2023: Bulldogs win for ‘Houghy’, Busselton secure minor premiership and Hawks run riot late at home

On an afternoon where the Bunbury Football Club mourned the death of a club legend, it was a fitting a Bulldogs rising star secured a gripping victory against the Dunsborough Sharks at Payne Park. In the teeth of goal at the 21-minute mark of the final term, Bunbury colts sensation Mason Hawkes shrugged off pressure and snapped a miracle goal over his shoulder, ensuring the Bulldogs hung on for a tense 9.12 (66) to 9.7 (61) win. Emotions ran high all afternoon at the kennel, with people from all SWFL clubs uniting in paying their respects to Scott Hough, who died leading up to the game following a lengthy battle with motor neurone disease (MND). The Bulldogs looked on course for a comfortable win, however the Sharks rode their luck during the middle stages of the contest and hit the front on the stroke of three-quarter time. During his address at the last change, Bunbury coach Jamie Nani implored his men to look within themselves and give everything for Hough — as losing appeared to be an unthinkable outcome, given the circumstances. Despite trailing by eight points midway during the last quarter, the home side fought back in the dying minutes to effectively secure their spot in the finals. Post-game, all Bunbury players walked over to the Scott Hough wing sign, where they formed a circle in front of it and sang the club song. At Gloucester Park, Augusta-Margaret River ran riot in the final term against the rock-bottom Collie Eagles, booting 10 final quarter goals in their 27.9 (171) to 11.6 (72). It was a tough day for the Eagles, who also forfeited their reserves clash. Meanwhile at Glen Huon Reserve, Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault took care of Eaton, 12.10 (82) to 8.12 (60). A dominant display in front of a home crowd on Saturday at Sir Stewart Bovell Park helped Busselton secure the minor premiership with four rounds to spare, defeating Harvey Bulls 19.17 (131) to 8.4 (52). Four unanswered goals got the Magpies off to a flyer, leaving the Bulls searching for answers. Although the Bulls fought their way back into the contest with five goals during the second quarter, Busselton fired back with five goals of their own to put the margin at 30 points by half-time. The Magpies kicked into high gear during the third term, continuing to pull away while Harvey attempted to put the step up the defensive pressure. As Busselton kicked a further five goals, Harvey were restricted to just two behinds, with the margin blown out to 63 points at the final change. The final term seemed to resemble more of a victory lap for Busselton, who continued to control the contest and capitalise on interceptions. While Harvey gained a late reprieve with two goals of their own, it was not enough to take down the home side. At Kelly Park, Carey Park’s hopes of a top-two finish received a massive tick, stunning Donnybrook 9.10 (64) to 3.10 (28).