SWFLW 2023: Reigning women’s premiers Busselton hold in-form contender Bunbury goalless in second semifinal

If Sunday’s second semifinal at VC Mitchell Park was a mock exam for the upcoming women’s grand final, reigning premiers Busselton would have received top marks — with no polishing of a Donnybrook apple required for the teacher. The Magpies directly advanced into the grand final, defeating Bunbury 2.3 (15) to 0.3 (3), with Rennie Meadmore’s side producing arguably the best defensive effort witnessed all season. In the final quarter, the ball spent 13 of the allocated 15-minute term inside the Bulldogs forward line, with the Magpies defenders denied any opportunity to rest. Despite this, Busselton didn’t concede a point during this passage of play. Heading into the clash, the league leaders were without reigning Nola Marino medallist Katie-Jayne Grieve, who was left out for precautionary measures due to a minor niggle. Grieve’s spot was filled by Kate Fielding, who mostly played up forward. The Bulldogs dominated possession during the early stages, however, struggled to find a way to goal through their congested forward line. Content to defend deeply, Busselton were routinely able to springboard off half-back, with their counter-attacking resulting in goals to youngsters Havana Milner and Sabella Banks. Aside from Banks providing plenty of spark at the coalface, experienced utility Beth Beckett did a brilliant job in not only nullifying Ruby Mahony’s brilliance, but also won plenty of disposals for herself. In the final term, Bunbury peppered their forward line in a bid to get back into the game. However, even when the ball was at the top of the goal square, Magpies trio Maddy Obal, Shelby Atherton and Shannon Pross defended as if their lives depended on it. The Bulldogs now face Harvey Bulls — which will be a re-match of the qualifying final — on Sunday afternoon at Kelly Park.