Old foes clash in first derby

South Bunbury will aim to usher in a new era at Hands Oval with victory over rivals Carey Park in an enticing round one derby on Saturday.

The first league game under lights since the completion of a $2.8 million upgrade to the venue’s turf and lighting system pits two of the competition’s oldest foes against each other, with both the Tigers and Panthers planning on playing deep into September this year.

South Bunbury prevailed in both meetings between the two sides last season but after a disappointing 2013 the Panthers appear a very different proposition under returning premiership coach John Baggetta, as evidenced by Carey Park’s impressive form during the Hungry Jacks preseason carnival.

The addition of Swan Districts’ star midfielder Brett Robinson has South Bunbury primed to take the next step after reaching the preliminary final in 2013 but Baggetta, and returning 2008 and 2009 premiership winners Scott Roche and Michael McMillan, will be determined to make an early statement.

Bunbury hosts Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault in what at first glance appears a straight-forward proposition for the fancied Bulldogs.

Spearheaded by prized offseason recruit Aidan Parker and fellow former Subiaco players Marc Re and Jordan Adamson-Holmes, Bunbury appears overmatched against the Lions, who finished ninth last year.

HBL will be without former WAFL standout Scott Delmenico and, with a focus on youth this year, could struggle in the early stages of the competition as new bodies adapt to the demands of league football.

Reigning club champion Dave Newman and Thornton brothers Bryce and Ash will need to be outstanding for the Lions to be competitive.

Busselton begins its campaign at home against the Harvey Bulls while first year league coach Jarrod Simpson takes his Hawks to VC Mitchell Park for a tricky clash with Donnybrook.

[www.swtimes.com.au|Visit www.swtimes.com.au on Sunday night for a brief wrap up of all of the weekend’s games with full reports in the Bunbury Herald on Tuesday. ]

Pictures of the action will be uploaded to iNFOGO throughout the season and be sure to check out #swfl14 on Twitter for live updates during matches.