SWFL 2023: Busselton and Bunbury to lock horns in grand final rematch

As the run home towards the South West Football League finals continues, last year’s grand final rivals Busselton and Bunbury are set to lock horns.

The Magpies and the Bulldogs are set to do battle at Sir Stewart Bovell Park on Sunday in what is set to be an exciting contest.

While Busselton have been unstoppable and are yet to drop a game this season so far, Bunbury have been building form in recent weeks with convincing wins against the likes of Carey Park, Harvey Brunswick Leschenault and Collie.

The added element of returning WAFLW players for both sides is also set to bring an extra level of excitement as the two powerhouse clubs go head-to-head.

Kloe Bassett, Daisy Rigby and Indiana West were instrumental in providing solid back-up during the Bulldogs’ dominant 13.11 (89) to 0.0 (0) win against the Eagles.

However, the ever-dominant Busselton are set to set down an even tougher challenge thanks to impressive efforts made by Katie-Jayne Grieve, Shannon Pross, Sienna Thompson and Sabella Banks in their 6.7 (43) to 1.2 (8) win against Donnybrook last weekend.

Last time they met, Busselton cemented themselves as one of the most dominant women’s football teams ever seen, defeating Bunbury 13.3 (81) to 0.0 (0) at Payne Park during round five.

South Bunbury will be looking to make a late break for a potential finals berth when they take on Carey Park at Kelly Park.

After redeeming their round four efforts against Dunsborough with a 5.8 (38) to 1.3 (9) win last weekend, the Tigers are knocking on the top five’s door, sitting in sixth place with a 5-7 record.

However, Carey Park are hot on their tail as they look to return from a bye and notch more wins in the run home towards finals, having previously pulled off a convincing 12.8 (80) to 0.2 (2) win against Collie in the women’s Gather Round.

Last time they met, Carey Park edged out South Bunbury by just one point in a tight contest at Hands Oval during round five.

After falling short against Busselton in a competitive contest, Donnybrook will be looking to get themselves back on track when they host Harvey Brunswick Leschenault at VC Mitchell Park.

The Dons had a strong start and brought the fight to Busselton throughout their round 15 match last weekend, but found themselves struggling to capitalise on scoring opportunities in the midst of strong defensive pressure from the Magpies.

On the other hand, the Lions will be looking to continue solidifying their top five spot when they return from a bye.

Last time they met, Donnybrook put in a dominant effort against the Lions, winning their round five match 4.4 (28) to 1.2 (8).

In the sole match set to take place on Saturday, Collie Eagles and Dunsborough Sharks will do battle at the Collie Recreation Ground in a morning match-up, with the game set to act as the SWFL’s Breast Cancer match.

After being on the receiving end of losses against Bunbury and South Bunbury last weekend, both sides will be looking to bounce back in a big way and stray from the bottom of the ladder.

The last time the two sides met, Dunsborough held off Collie 4.3 (27) to 1.5 (11) at Dunsborough Playing Fields during round five.