Fraser leads Magpies to upset win

Busselton captain Aidan Fraser inspired his side to a gallant 22-point win over reigning premiers Bunbury at Sir Stewart Bovell Park on Saturday.

Fraser booted three goals in the final term to finish with five, as the Magpies claimed a 12.9 (81) to 8.11 (59) victory.

It was an even contest in the first term with both teams battling for ascendency.

Kicking with a slight breeze, the Bulldogs worked hard to give plenty of opportunities to forward Brett Peake (three goals), who did not let them down.

But the Magpies were up to the challenge, with Steve Cameron and Matt Welburn both hitting the score sheet.

Despite a three-goal to one second term for Busselton, the game was still up for grabs at half-time.

Peake had kicked his second to give Bunbury the lead early in the term, before Cameron and Fraser hit back to give the Magpies a 17-point lead at the break.

The Bulldogs pressed hard in the third term and played their best football for the match.

Kane Bumann was excellent off half back and Travis Gray was prolific around the ground.

But they did not put this dominance on the scoreboard until Peake and Gray kicked goals late in the quarter.

Trailing by five points at the start of the final term, the Magpies needed a lift and it came in the form of Fraser, who booted three goals in the first four minutes to swing the momentum his team’s way.

Reegan Mrsich played in defence all match and when he took a strong mark and kicked a 60m goal, the fight was out of the Dogs.

Consolation goals to Braiden McMullen and Cam Lamonaca reduced the margin, but it was too late as the Magpies kept their finals hopes alive with the upset win.

Busselton coach Steve Lester praised Fraser’s performance.

“We needed someone to stand up in the final term, Aidan did just that and really lifted the whole team as true leaders can,” he said.

Scoreboard

Busselton 3.0 6.1 6.2 12.9 (81) def Bunbury 2.1 3.2 6.7 8.11 (59)

GOALS: Busselton - A. Fraser 5, S. Cameron, J. Kemp 2, H. Golding, R. Mrsich, M. Welburn. Bunbury - B. Peake 3, T. Gray, J. Gribble, C. Lamonaca, M. Longbottom, B. McMullen.

BEST: Busselton - A. Fraser, R. Mrsich, B. Sanford, J. Arbon, J. Milner, J. Meadmore. Bunbury - K. Bumann, T. Gray, C. Lamonaca, T. Wood, J. Gribble, D. Heasman.