Busselton’s hopes of SWFL league finals take hit after unanswered goals see Bunbury take home 88-point victory

The hopes of Busselton’s league side reaching this year’s SWFL finals have taken a major hit after the team suffered a second-half collapse against Bunbury.

In their round 13 clash at Sir Stewart Bovell Park on Sunday afternoon, the Magpies were unable to answer a 10-goal streak by the Bulldogs, resulting in a 18.11 (119) to 4.7 (31) win for the visitors.

Busselton got off to the better start following a three-week break, with Jed Kemp responsible for the first goal of the match early on.

But Bunbury responded a short time later, kicking a total of four goals by the first siren.

After a pep-talk by coach Matt Jamieson, the Magpies improved their performance and kicked three majors in the second quarter.

But anything the Magpies could do, the Bulldogs could do better — the visitors scored four goals and three behinds before half-time.

As the sky darkened and rain began to fall, so did Busselton’s hopes of clinching a win. Despite efforts to turn the match into a grind for the Bulldogs, the Magpies’ plan ultimately came undone.

The home side scored only two behinds in the second half of the match, while the team’s defence was unable to withstand an offensive onslaught from the visitors.

Led by forward Dylan Heasman, the Bulldogs launched a refreshed attack on the Magpies in the third quarter and kicked five unanswered goals.

The final quarter sealed the deal for Bunbury, kicking another five goals to finish the match with a comfortable 88-point victory.

Heasman was the leading goal kicker of the game and the round, booting seven majors.

Busselton’s result puts the side at serious risk of not making September’s final series, falling to seventh on the league ladder.

Bunbury sit comfortably in second place following the percentage-boosting win.

The Bulldogs will have their bye on the weekend, while the Magpies will seek redemption against Carey Park on Sunday at Kelly Park.