SWFL Match Report: Collie v Bunbury

Collie Eagles gave veteran Michael Roney the perfect send-off on Sunday with a 23-point win over Bunbury Bulldogs at Collie Recreation Ground.

The Eagles surged home to emerge 11.12 (78) to 8.7 (55) victors in Roney's final outing for the club.

Players from both sides found it difficult to adjust to blustery conditions early in the match, with no goal kicked during the first quarter.

The Dogs' Asten Preedy finally conquered the goal-kicking yips, booting the first major of the match half-way through the second term.

The Eagles were inaccurate in front of goal in the first half, snaring only two of their first nine shots. The missed opportunities hurt the wasteful Eagles as they entered the extended break trailing the Dogs by four points.

Bunbury ruckman Blair Della Franca (three goals) came out firing after half-time, giving the youthful Dogs team some much needed momentum.

Della Franca provided a strong marking option across the entire ground for the Dogs and also dictated the battle against the Eagles' ruckman.

Collie's Will Cleggett (three goals) worked his way into the match after a quiet start to ignite the Eagles' moral. Collie youngster Taine Scolari also began to find his feet in the third term, offering plenty of flair for the home side.

Collie entered the final break with a one-point advantage over the exuberant yet tiring Bunbury side to set up what looked to be a blockbuster last quarter.

However, the final-term hype did not live up to expectation as the youthful Dogs were unable to keep up with their more seasoned opponents.

Collie piled on five last-term majors to claim a credible, albeit sloppy, victory. Cleggett was among the Eagles' best, while vice-captain Corey Griggs was also influential.

In a fitting tribute, the retiring Roney was chaired from the ground, with Collie and Bunbury players forming a guard of honour.