SWFL 2022: South Bunbury continue road of revival against Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault

Although SWFL women’s premiership powerhouse South Bunbury were without a swag of premiership stars last week for a variety of off-field reasons, you would not have noticed.

Despite social media distractions, a cancelled Thursday training session and doubts on who would line up prior to last Sunday’s clash against Dunsborough Sharks, captain-coach Bethany Bond got her teammates cherry-ripe and they strolled to a 13.12 (90) to 0.0 (0) win at Hands Oval.

Youngster Charli Wicksteed and Karyn Beeson led by example for their younger teammates, while Michelle Oliver and Brooke Edwards also impressed.

They might be heading into Saturday’s clash against Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault with an influx of younger players, but the Tigers are more than capable of backing up their Sharks performance at Brunswick Oval.

The Lions also enter the game with confidence, after pipping the Eaton Boomers 1.3 (9) to 1.2 (8) at Glen Huon Reserve last Sunday.

Although the conditions were horrendous, the Lions displayed a tremendous appetite for winning the ball, and were prepared to apply pressure when it was their turn to defend.

Lions ruck Bree Hurrell, who battled hard against Renae Adams last Sunday, will have another big challenge this week against Edwards, who is quietly becoming one of the best in her position.

Naturally, HBL will have their hands full defensively, as Bond’s presence alone is always likely going to result in a series of scoring opportunities.

Last time both sides met at Brunswick Oval, it teemed with rain, which allowed the Lions to put additional numbers behind the ball and slow things down for South Bunbury.

The Tigers, who could only register 0.11 up until half-time, eventually went on to win by 37 points, however they were forced to earn every inch of their win while being soaked to the skin.

The match has been brought forward to 1pm (from 1.30pm), in order for the league game to be completed in daylight due to the floodlights not being bright enough.