SWFL 2023: Dunsborough Sharks make history with first league win, Carey Park’s undefeated streak broken

After strong showings against some of the South West Football League’s top teams in previous outings, Dunsborough Sharks have made history with their maiden league win over the Collie Eagles. Inspired by Chris White who booted six goals, the Sharks prevailed 18.12 (120) to 6.8 (44). The Sharks got off to a great start, keeping the Eagles goalless and booting four goals during the opening quarter, eventually going on to blow out their lead even further during the second term to lead eight goals to one by half time. While Collie tried to rally during the third term, kicking four goals to get within 30 points of the home side, late goals from Dunsborough extended the margin to 50 points at three-quarter time. The final quarter resembled more of a victory lap for Dunsborough, who managed a further five goals to claim victory for the first time. Meanwhile, South Bunbury burst Carey Park’s bubble by breaking their undefeated streak with a 10.10 (70) to 3.12 (30) victory at Hands Oval. While it took about three minutes for either team to score, Leigh Kohlmann quickly emerged as the man to stop by booting his first goal of the day from 45m out. Although Jack DiLallo responded for Carey Park, South Bunbury started taking control with Kade Walldrodt snapping a goal on the run while Kohlmann would boot a further two before quarter time. The contest seemed to reach a stalemate during the second term with neither side managing a goal, kicking nine behinds between them. Despite Cameron Baker managing the Panthers’ second goal of the day, a quick response from Kohlmann saw South Bunbury begin to put their foot down. As the pressure intensified, tempers flared as players got involved in some push and shove on the boundary line. Kohlmann would go on to kick a further four goals throughout the second half to record a game-high seven goals and lead South Bunbury to recording a comfortable 40-point victory. Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault league coach Ryan MacIntyre was not a happy man at quarter-time during Saturday’s 11.8 (74) to 5.4 (34) loss to Donnybrook at Brunswick Oval. After his side was held scoreless, conceded two goals from late shoves and trailed by 45 points, MacIntyre read the riot act to his players in the huddle, explicitly urging more effort than what they had shown in the opening term. The address appeared to galvanise the Lions, who proceeded to keep the Dons scoreless and trim the deficit to a manageable 20 points at the half. Unfortunately for the home side, they left their run too late, with Donnybrook kicking clear in the dying minutes. At Gloucester Park, Jack Hick and Garry Moss booted 10 goals between them as Augusta-Margaret River strolled to a 20.11 (131) to 11.6 (72) win over Eaton.