SWFL 2023: Eaton keen to bounce back from disappointing season-opener

After a disappointing day out at VC Mitchell Park last weekend, Eaton will be keen to bounce back in a big way when they hit the road for the second week in a row.

Eaton will be travelling to Sir Stewart Bovell Park this Saturday, where they will go head-to-head with the Busselton Magpies during the second round of the 2023 South West Football League season.

It comes after Eaton struggled to fire out the gate during their season-opener against Donnybrook in their Peter Butcher Cup match last weekend.

Despite starting strong in leading by 11 points during the opening term, the Dons quickly turned the tide and booted nine unanswered goals.

By the time Eaton broke the drought at the 18-minute mark of the third quarter, the game was all but over, with the Dons dominating the field to take the win.

Despite solid performances by the likes of Stirling Hayden, Brent Piercey and Brandon Pegler, Eaton will need to continue building on connections between teammates in the midst of many player movements and personnel changes during the off-season.

To avoid languishing at the bottom of the ladder, Eaton will need to ensure they rise up to the tough challenge against Busselton, who come into the match off the back of a big win over reigning premiers Augusta-Margaret River.

The Magpies will be looking to start up a winning streak after holding off the Hawks to retain the Busselton Toyota Cup last weekend.

The return of Jaxon East, Austin Styles and Kester Decke proved valuable for the Magpies, with each playing a crucial role in the 13-point win alongside skipper Ethan Bowman, defender Jake Dugan, Jackson Arbon and Liam Creighton.

The last time Busselton and Eaton met was back in round 21 of the 2022 season, where Eaton came from behind to hold off the Magpies 13.6 (85) to 9.16 (70) at Glen Huon Reserve.