SWFL Finals Match Report: Carey Park v Busselton

Mitchell Woodcock, BUNBURY HERALDBunbury Herald

Carey Park will play in this year's SWFL grand final after comprehensively defeating Busselton by 33 points at Hands Oval on Sunday in the second semi-final.

The Panthers jumped the Magpies in the first quarter, kicking the first four goals and they never looked back to eventually win 15.7 (97) to 9.10 (64).

Relentless pressure by the Panthers on the Magpies' ball carriers made sure the Busselton players were unable to run and carry as they like, forcing uncharacteristic errors from some of the best ball users in the competition.

On the other hand, the Panthers used the ball beautifully, with Michael McMillan having his best game for the year as a lead-up target across the ground.

McMillan and a healthy return to form for Matt Martin (six goals) gave the Panthers the firepower to kick 14 goals by the last change.

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Carey Park lost veteran forward Arron Hill before the game, but brought in youngster Clint Yarran who impressed with two goals and a number of high-flying marks.

Yarran was also one of a number of Panthers who put immense pressure on the Magpies' players, with the youngster laying some bone crushing tackles.

After the Panthers jumped the Magpies, the Busselton side kicked two late goals to settle but had only registered four goals at three-quarter time.

Whenever the Magpies managed to move the ball forward, they were met with a rampant group of Panthers who were hungry to either take the ball from them or create a contested situation.

Fabian Hart and Riley Hutchinson dominated across half-back for the Panthers, running off their opponents to carry the ball and break the lines, exposing Busselton on the rebound.

Graham Jetta found form in the midfield, combining with Keiren King and Viv Blurton to create havoc around the contests and win the clearances with ease.

The Magpies were unable to get any momentum going their way, but Chris Kane tried hard all day and stand-in captain Jon Meadmore gave them run from half-back at times.

Too many players from the Magpies were missing during the day, with Nathan Bradbury having little impact, while Brent Snook and Steve Cameron were well held by Hutchinson and Matt Cavedon.

Busselton made the margin look respectable in the last quarter, kicking five goals to the Panthers' one as Brent Hall (three goals) looked good out of full forward.

The Magpies will now face the Harvey Bulls in the preliminary final for a chance to face Carey Park in the grand final.

The Panthers will have the week off before the grand final, getting a well earned rest.

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