SWFL 2023: Busselton remains undefeated, Harvey Bulls, Bunbury on winners list

Busselton have continued to dominate the SWFL Women’s competition, conceding just one point to Harvey Brunswick Leschenault in wet conditions.

The Magpies dominated the forward 50 pressure in the opening half, despite the best efforts of HBL’s hard defence in slippery contests.

Busselton kicked away to a 2.7 (19) lead by half-time, despite the best efforts of HBL’s backline and vice-captain Katie Wilsonham.

HBL’s Shelby Humphries was a stand out for the side, showing great determination in some harsh contests, resulting in some terrific spoils.

The thunder rolling in the beginning of the third term invigorated the away team, with Busselton kicking 4.4 (28) in the quarter alone.

A behind from HBL in the final moments of the fourth quarter raised the home side’s spirits, but wasn’t enough to stop the pressure of the still undefeated away side.

Busselton’s Kate Fielding put on a show in the stormy weather, kicking three goals, with Mia Dronow kicking two.

Busselton have now conceded just nine points in the entire season, consolidating their position at the top of the ladder.

At Hands Oval, appearances by a number of WAFLW players proved invaluable for the Bunbury Bulldogs, who pulled off a convincing 7.11 (53) to 1.1 (7) victory over South Bunbury.

While it was an even start in wintry conditions with both sides scoring a goal in the first quarter, Bunbury put their foot down throughout the second half.

Daisy Rigby put on a masterclass up forward, kicking three goals to help the Bulldogs to victory.

Despite solid efforts by South Bunbury to try and put the pressure on, it was not enough to take down the Bulldogs, who went on to claim the 46-point win.

Rigby, Raphaella Waltman and Sarina Tassone were among the stand-outs for Bunbury, while the likes of Kiarni Stevens, Kira Price and Diaz Emerson continued impressing for the Tigers.

On Saturday, Harvey Bulls continued pressing their case as strong finals contenders near the midway point of the season with a 7.16 (58) to 2.0 (12) win over Carey Park at Kelly Park.

From the outset, the Bulls were quick to drive the ball forward, managing six scoring shots and keeping the Panthers scoreless during the opening quarter.

While the Panthers would get a reprieve during the second with goals from Gabrielle House and Kirryn Williams, the Bulls continued extending their lead.

The Bulls went on to dominate the field throughout the second half, keeping the Panthers scoreless for the half, with Caitlin Shales booting four majors to help claim the 46-point victory.

Rachel Wright, Trinity Brown and Sierraleone Simpson were standouts for the visiting side, while the likes of House, Williams and Ruby Goddard impressed for the Panthers.

Donnybrook bounced back from their upset loss to South Bunbury, controlling their round 10 match from the outset to defeat Collie Eagles 4.6 (30) to 1.1 (7) at VC Mitchell Park.

The Dons kept Collie scoreless for the first half.

While Collie showed promising signs during the third quarter by keeping the Dons scoreless and Natasha Bower booting a major to put the Eagles on the scoreboard, it was not enough to topple the home side, who went on to win by 23 points.

Jade McGurk, Jessica Verbrugge and Brooke Edwards stood out for the Dons, while Bonny Jack, Skye Washer and Gemma Buckle impressed for the Eagles.