SWFL 2023: First glance at SWFL fixture as clubs eye a chance to climb premiership summit

The SWFL released fixtures for the 2023 season last Thursday, with Round 1 getting under way on Saturday, March 25. Justin Fris takes a look at what is in store for your club...

AUGUSTA-MARGARET RIVER

Last season: 1st (won grand final against South Bunbury)

Fixture positives: The Hawks have an ideal schedule towards the end of the season, with only one trip outside of Margaret River (Donnybrook) after Round 17.

Fixture challenges: The reigning premiers have been given no favours in the opening month of the season, with a tough three-week block of Busselton (h), South Bunbury (a) and Harvey Bulls (h) to open their campaign.

Matches to mark in the diary: A night game against Busselton at Gloucester Park to open things will have supporters up and about in the outer, while the Round 2 grand final replay against South Bunbury at Hands Oval should also be a beauty.

BUSSELTON

Last season: 4th

Fixture positives: Two home games to end the season against bottom-five opposition from last season is an ideal end for the Pies, particularly if they are in finals contention.

Fixture challenges: Matches against Bunbury, South Bunbury and Harvey Bulls between Rounds 16-18 will test Daniel Delaney’s ever-improving squad.

Matches to mark in the diary: The Magpies host Dunsborough Sharks in an eagerly-awaited derby in Round 3 at Sir Stewart Bovell Park, while supporters will also be able to enjoy a series of twilight home games throughout the year.

BUNBURY

Last season: 3rd

Fixture positives: The Bulldogs do not travel outside of Bunbury until Round 4, when they play Collie Eagles up the hill under lights. Playing the Eagles so early in the season will be welcomed, given the less likelihood for miserable conditions during the game.

Fixture challenges: Consecutive away games to Donnybrook and Augusta-Margaret River in August are unlikely to be easy assignments, even for this committed group.

Matches to mark in the diary: The Jackson-McGuire Cup against South Bunbury on August 27 at Payne Park will be the main topic of discussion around the region leading up to the game.

CAREY PARK

Last season: 8th

Fixture positives: With three of their first four games at home, the schedule could provide a great opportunity for Frank Italiano and his team to bank some early wins.

Fixture challenges: Ends 2023 with games against Busselton, Eaton Boomers and Harvey Bulls — which could make or break their top-five hopes should results not go their way.

Matches to mark in the diary: The Indigenous Recognition match against the Collie Eagles on July 1 is one of the most significant on the SWFL calendar.

COLLIE EAGLES

Last season: 10th

Fixture positives: The installation of improved lighting to bring twilight/night games to the Collie Recreation Ground is a massive win for not only the Eagles, but Collie as a town. Several well-travelling clubs have been pencilled in for these games, which could bode well for revenue.

Fixture challenges: A tricky stretch during the midway point could lead to some heavy defeats if they are down on form.

Matches to mark in the diary: The opening round game under lights against South Bunbury will be one to remember for the town.

DONNYBROOK

Last season: 7th

Fixture positives: Only have to travel once in the opening month of the season, with the sole away game at Dunsborough, which could bring them a big win.

Fixture challenges: Facing Augusta-Margaret River on the final day of the season is less than ideal.

Matches to mark in the diary: The Peter Betti Cup game in Round 19 against Bunbury will be an ideal run-in should the Dons look like playing finals.

DUNSBOROUGH SHARKS

Fixture positives: Being able to play in the best country league in regional WA is a massive achievement for the Sharks, who join as the SWFL’s 11th club.

Fixture challenges: Aside from finding their feet at league level, the Sharks only play two games on a Saturday, which could take a toll on travelling players.

Matches to mark in the diary: Obviously, the Sharks’ inaugural clash at home to Donnybrook in Round 2 will be the biggest in club history, while their first away game against Busselton a week later is a derby.

EATON BOOMERS

Last season: 6th

Fixture positives: Keen to hit the ground running, Boomers coach Chris Kinninmont will be excited for his side to start strongly in the opening rounds against Donnybrook, Busselton and South Bunbury.

Fixture challenges: Clashes against the Harvey Bulls and Augusta-Margaret River in the space of a fortnight.

Matches to mark in the diary: Round 19 up the hill against the Eagles at the Collie Recreation Ground is likely to be a firm but fair game of football.

HARVEY-BRUNSWICK LESCHENAULT

Last season: 9th

Fixture positives: The Lions will only travel as far as Harvey for a game inside the opening seven weeks of the season.

Fixture challenges: Games against Busselton and South Bunbury in the final three rounds could be a tough ask. The Lions also have two consecutive byes in April.

Matches to mark in the diary: The Lions head to Gloucester Park in Round 7 for a clash against Augusta-Margaret River — a club which they have developed mutual fellowship with off the field over many years.

HARVEY BULLS

Last season: 5th

Fixture positives: The opportunity to win an early piece of silverware (Harvey Fresh Cup) in the opening round against Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault would be a massive feather in the cap for Mark Pink’s side.

Fixture challenges: Locking horns with Bunbury on the final day of the home and away season at Payne Park.

Matches to mark in the diary: The newly created Sam Strano Cup will be contested between the Bulls and Lions at Brunswick Oval on June 17.

SOUTH BUNBURY

Last season: 2nd

Fixture positives: South only play one side from last season’s top-five (Augusta-Margaret River) during the opening seven rounds.

Fixture challenges: Aside from two away twilight games against the Collie Eagles and Busselton early on, there is not a lot to grumble about on paper.

Matches to mark in the diary: The Tigers will host the Eaton Boomers during Indigenous Round at Hands Oval, which is a significant occasion for both clubs.