SWFL 2023: Five things we learnt from round two

We might be heading into the Easter bye, however, there were no shortage of talking points from the second round of SWFL action.

Justin Fris shares his five key takeaways from the weekend:

1 - Major issues surrounding competitiveness in the women’s competition have not gone away

The SWFL women’s competition ladder makes for dire reading at the moment.

On top, Harvey Bulls have a whopping percentage of 7600 per cent. At the bottom, Eaton’s is 1.33 per cent, while three clubs — Busselton, Collie Eagles and South Bunbury — have zero percentage.

In eight matches so far, three teams have been held goalless and a further three have been held scoreless.

SWFL officials were confident the introduction of a players points system in the women’s competition would improve competitiveness and raise the overall standard of matches.

Sadly for the players, coaches, and those who want to see women’s football grow, this has yet to come to fruition.

2 - The South Bunbury-Augusta-Margaret River league rivalry is compelling viewing

The latest absorbing clash between the Tigers and Hawks lived up to its pre-match hype on Saturday. Despite a sparse crowd, the on-field brilliance was plentiful and seeing both coaches (Julian Burgess and Matt Jamieson) pit their football IQs against each other was fascinating as always to watch.

Although the Tigers fell short, they will be able to take plenty from the game. Likewise for the reigning premiers, who avoided falling to 0-2.

3 - Why was Dunsborough’s inaugural league game scheduled directly against the Western Derby?

So many people put countless hours in helping the Dunsborough Sharks realise their goal of playing league football in arguably the best regional competition in WA.

Therefore it was quite startling to learn a few months ago that the Sharks’ inaugural home game was scheduled in direct competition with the Western Derby between Fremantle and West Coast at Optus Stadium.

While the official crowd of 906 was positive, no doubt more would have headed along to the Dunsborough Playing Fields had the two games not clashed.

In my view, this was definitely a missed opportunity.

4 - A coach should not be judged solely on match results

Across all of our grades, coaches put in considerable time doing positive things many don’t get the opportunity to see.

Whether it is helping a player move house, picking up food for the club kitchen, washing guernseys or offering a shoulder for a player to lean on — our coaches do all this and more, on top of their job and family commitments.

So next time you see a wayward scoreline, think about the coach of the losing team, as chances are, the result is not the only thing they are dealing with.

5 - Fleur Parker remains an important part of our league

My mate Fleur played her 150th game of women’s football on Sunday against the Collie Eagles — a milestone consisting of games with the Bulls, Donnybrook, Peel Thunder and the WACFL State team.

Aside from tying with Ebony Bilcich for the 2019 Nola Marino Medal, Parker is one of the last true characters in our competition.

She is funny, tough and cares for her teammates. All characteristics which are important at any club.