SWFL 2022: Busselton Magpies and Harvey Bulls to battle for qualifying final spot

Sir Stewart Bovell Park will play host to a showdown between two of the SWFL Women’s competition’s strongest teams this weekend.

Busselton Magpies and Harvey Bulls will be going head to head on Saturday for a spot in next weekend’s qualifying final against Bunbury.

Both sides currently occupy second and third place on the ladder respectively with 11-4 records and are separated by percentage.

Whichever team takes home the win will have the opportunity to earn an express pass to the SWFL Women’s grand final, while the losing side will have to fight their way through the finals series in an elimination final next weekend.

Busselton, who recently welcomed coach Rennie Meadmore back to the field after returning from pregnancy in last weekend’s 12.11 (83) to 0.1 (1) win over Eaton, hold the advantage to finish in second place with a percentage of 400.54.

Despite starting off their season with two losses, Busselton have managed to turn themselves around and record plenty of big wins throughout the season.

With the likes of Katisha Barrett, Katie-Jayne Grieve and Dianna Evans putting in consistently strong showings, along with solid forward line efforts from Emma Borinelli, Christie Daniels and Beth Beckett, the Magpies will certainly go into the match as a force to be reckoned with.

However, the Bulls cannot be counted out.

Despite hitting a couple of rough patches during the season, the Bulls have certainly made their presence known as finals contenders, including a five-game winning streak between rounds seven and 12.

The Bulls have also featured plenty of stellar players, with the likes of Rachel Shepherd, Harmony Staszewski-Hose and Rebecca Fry consistently named among their best, while Megan Minton, Emma Faulkner and Caitlin Shales lead the goal-kicking count for the club.

Last time the Magpies and the Bulls met was in round 11. Harvey came from behind to defeat Busselton 3.2 (20) to 1.5 (11).