SWFL 2023: Persistent lightning results in SWFL derby between South Bunbury and Bunbury being called off

Prior to Sunday’s WA Day Derby against bitter rivals South Bunbury at Hands Oval, Bunbury coach Jamie Nani and his players knew what would be required.

With the threat of heavy rain, the Bulldogs wanted to pile on early goals and ramp up their physical pressure before the heavens opened.

While these two objectives were met, they were cut short in one of the most unprecedented finishes in SWFL history.

Leading 6.8 (44) to 1.5 (11) at half-time, the visitors trotted off as a group excitedly, while the Tigers trudged towards their change rooms.

With several bolts of lightning in close proximity of Hands Oval, the half-time break was extended, in order to ensure welfare for all players, officials and spectators.

At 4.31pm, match officials confirmed the “monsoon derby” was abandoned, as per AFL guidelines surrounding lightning.

As the first half had been completed in its entirety, Bunbury was credited the victory, with both team’s scores standing as the final result.

Had play been suspended and subsequently abandoned with a minute left in the first half, the match would have been declared a draw, with both sides sharing two points each.

SWFL general manager Jason Crowe outlined how the announcement was made.

“There has to be a 30-second gap between lightning and thunder,” he said. “On Sunday at Hands Oval, the gap differences recorded were between 12 and 18 seconds.”

“In this situation, play cannot be restarted until more than 30 minutes since the last bolt of lightning has passed. Other time parameters are also taken into account.”

Despite 22.2mm of rain tumbling down throughout the clash, the Bulldogs charged out full of determination from the opening bounce.

Putting their body on the line and kicking long at all costs, Nani’s army peppered the Tigers to a pulp and led by 31 points at quarter-time, after booting five unanswered goals.

Given the teeming rain and heavy turf underfoot, the margin might as well have been 100 points, given the torrid conditions.

On a dark day for South, who looked uncharacteristically flat, there was one magical moment not easily visible in the downpour.

Tucked away deep in the left forward pocket, former West Coast Eagles premiership legend Adam Hunter — playing his first league game this season at the age of 41 — soccered home a brilliant goal for the Tigers midway in the second term.

Seconds after his magical effort, Hunter flashed a beaming smile as he embraced nearby teammates.

It was a smile which conveyed the sense of fun, family and relishing football in tough conditions like he did as a junior.