SWFL 2023: Hawks’ premiership reign all but over, Eaton suffer massive away defeat against South Bunbury

Augusta-Margaret River’s hopes of a premiership three-peat were literally blown away on Sunday at the Harvey Recreation Ground against the Harvey Bulls. Prior to the start of the clash, trees behind the Uduc Road end goals swayed viciously and indicated a five-goal breeze was favouring that end of the ground. However instead of spectators ducking for cover from falling branches, it was the reigning premiers who were blown away by the Bulls in a mesmerising eight-goal opening term. Leading by 50 points at quarter-time, the Bulls hammered the Hawks 19.10 (124) to 3.9 (27) in a game which was virtually an elimination final for both clubs. There were two key components to this game. Firstly, the Bulls played an exceptional brand of high-octane football, based on controlled physicality and a willingness to involve their teammates. Secondly, in the words of Hawks coach Matt Jamieson during his three-quarter-time address — “this is probably one of the worst skill displays for the year” — with the usually polished reigning premiers not only missing routine handballs in the corridor, but kicks across goals often resulting in costly turnovers. The loss marked a sad end for Augusta-Margaret River’s reign at the top of the premiership summit — a place they’ve sat for the past two seasons. At Dunsborough Playing Fields, Busselton’s march toward an undefeated regular season gained further momentum, after they defeated Dunsborough Sharks 15.12 (102) to 2.3 (15). On Saturday at Hands Oval, Eaton were held goalless until the 18-minute mark of the final quarter during their clash against South Bunbury. Fortunately for the Boomers, skipper Greg Humphries spared their blushes with his late goal, in the 20.14 (134) to 1.7 (13) defeat. Eaton coach Chris Kinninmont had a week to forget prior to the game, with a handful of senior players requesting transfers away from the club prior to the June 30 transfer deadline. With a number of holes to fill, many players were required to double up or play out of position in a bid to help the team, which appeared to have a major impact in the final result. For the Tigers, Leigh Kohlmann booted nine goals (70 for the season) and extended his lead on top of the league goalkicking standings. At Brunswick Oval, Bunbury rallied late to defeat Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault 9.11 (65) to 5.10 (40), while Carey Park were too good for Collie Eagles up the hill, winning 16.13 (109) to 5.7 (37).