SWFL Match Report: Harvey Bulls v Carey Park

Harvey Bulls will play their first SWFL finals series after defeating Carey Park by 49 points at Harvey Recreation Ground on Sunday.

The Bulls have not played finals since entering the competition in 2009 and - needing a win on Sunday to seal fifth spot on the ladder - the home side lifted to win 15.7 (97) to 7.6 (48).

Without Keiran Germs and Jordan Fimmano, the Bulls were forced to play a smaller forward line. This meant the midfield needed to use the ball fast and that is exactly what they did, with overlap handball and long kicks to forwards running back to goal allowing 11 majors to be kicked from set shots.

The first half was played at a frenetic pace, with both sides putting each other under constant pressure with tough tackles and some big hits.

A scare was sent through the Bulls' camp when co-captain Josh Krispyn looked to be done for the day after an accidental knock to the head - but the tough nut returned after half-time to lead his side to the big win.

Bulls' fullback Brett Lofthouse was given the job on Panthers' full forward Matt Martin and kept him goalless in the big contest, which went a long way to giving the home side the unlikely upset.

Bulls coach Paul Fimmano played Abe Davey and the returning Daniel Davis up forward, which had great success as the pair kicked three goals each.

One of the contests of the game was in the ruck, with former Subiaco premiership player Andrew McDougall up against Carey Park youngster Troy Wells.

McDougall was good throughout, But Wells competed hard and did some great things around the ground, including a number of fantastic tackles that would have pleased coach John Baggetta.

There would be little concern in the Carey Park camp, with every player except Keiran King making it through the entire game without an injury and the loss doing no damage to their finals placing.

The Panthers will take on Eaton Boomers on Sunday, while Harvey Bulls have set up a contest against Augusta-Margaret River in an elimination final at Payne Park.