SWFL 2022: Carey Park too good in colts decider against Bunbury

Carey Park comfortably secured back-to-back premierships in the SWFL colts competition on Sunday at Hands Oval, after defeating Bunbury 16.9 (105) to 6.7 (43).

After being able to absorb some early defensive resistance, the Panthers’ bigger bodies began to take control of the contest, with the weary Bulldogs unable to go with them.

Carey Park, who claimed the minor premiership yet again under Frank Italiano, recorded a solid win over Bunbury in the second semifinal, which ensured they went into the game as clear-cut favourites.

The Bulldogs, coached by Troy Hollands, reached the decider after an absorbing extra-time win in the preliminary final over Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault.

Heading into the clash, Hollands believed his side had the ability to spring a surprise against the reigning premiers, despite recent results not going their way.

The Panthers, who burst on to the ground breathing fire, began strongly, with Cameron Baker setting the tone for their attacking forays in the middle early.

Aside from winning his fair share of hit-outs, Baker often frequently went forward throughout the morning, and finished with four goals.

Although the Panthers had no difficulty in generating forward entries, the Bulldogs defenders were up to the task, stifling their creativity on a regular basis.

A late goal in the opening term from Jayden Collard gave the Panthers a 13-point lead at quarter-time, however, the margin already felt considerably greater.

The Bulldogs enjoyed their best passage of the game during the second quarter, but were unable to hit the scoreboard.

This fact was not lost on multiple Panthers defenders, who were quick to remind their nearest opponent vocally that a goalless first half in a grand final looked — and ultimately ended —likely.

Sensing that their hopes of a comeback were fading, two goals in three minutes by the Bulldogs midway in the third term trimmed the deficit to 25 points, although this was the closest they would get for the remainder of the match.

The Panthers ran riot thereafter, with 12 individual goalkickers a testament to the equal-opportunity nature of their play.

Chayse Martinson was awarded the KJ Lynn Medal after being adjudged best on ground — however, he was not alone, as Baker, Te-Sean Hart and Collard all played equally as brilliant.