Big day of footy set for May

Bunbury is on course to host an exciting football triple header in May, involving matches from the WAFL, WAFLW and SWFL competitions.

Subject to final approval from all parties, Swan Districts’ round six home clash against the West Coast Eagles reserves will be relocated to Hands Oval on Saturday, May 16, with the black and whites also taking on Peel Thunder at women’s level.

South Bunbury’s league fixture against the Collie Eagles would complete the smorgasbord of footy, with both colts and reserves matches played the following day.

It is hoped both the WAFL and WAFLW matches could also be televised throughout WA.

SWFL general manager Simone Nani addressed club delegates during Thursday’s monthly meeting and outlined specifics regarding the exciting proposition.

“We will know by February 18,” she said. “Which means I would have to adjust SWFL fixtures for just that week if both WAFL matches are confirmed.

“So if you are playing on a Saturday in round four and the WAFL games happen, I will change you to another Saturday during the season.”

Nani said the league had met with the City of Bunbury regarding the event and despite things still needing to be finalised across all levels, she believed things were heading in the right direction.

Swan Districts president Peter Hodyl, who graced Hands Oval for South Bunbury during the mid-1980s, confirmed the club’s intent in not only supporting its regional zones, but playing its part to make the event a reality.

“We are committed and willing to move ahead, however the details have to be worked through by the WAFC as it is their decision in the end,” he said.

Hodyl told the Bunbury Herald he still had fond memories of his time in Bunbury and feels the black and whites would warmly embrace a potential trip down south. “I was fortunate enough to be recruited to South Bunbury in 1986 and enjoyed three wonderful and successful years,” he said.

“My wife Nessa and I have built life long friendships from that opportunity for which we are both very grateful.

“It is very satisfying to be able to be in a position to promote our Bunbury zone and the magnificent South West as a whole.

“All at Swans look forward to this game becoming a reality and continuing our long association.”

Hands Oval has hosted six WAFL matches since 1984, with Swans having a 0-4 record at the ground despite it being an integral venue within their regional recruiting zone.

Tale of the tape - WAFL at Hands Oval

1984 (round one) - EP 19.13 d SD 16.17, crowd 6573; 1995 (round seven) EP 15.20 (110) d SD 6.5, crowd 3500; 1997 (round three) EP 14.13 d WP 8.14, crowd 2212; 2007 (round nine) PT 10.16 d SD 6.11, crowd 1500; 2008 (round 18) PT 14.12 d CL 12.11, crowd 1200; 2014 (round 20) EP 14.22 d SD 11.5, crowd 3061.