SWNFL 2023: Bunbury Bulldogs to make late push for qualifying final spot in clash with Augusta Margaret River

With the South West Netball Football League’s finals series all but locked in, teams are looking to end their respective campaigns on a high. Eaton, Harvey Brunswick Leschenault, Bunbury and Busselton have secured finals berths for the 2023 season with two rounds of the regular season to spare. However, the Bulldogs will be looking to make a late push for a top two finish when they travel down Bussell Highway to take on Augusta Margaret River at Margaret River Recreation Centre on Saturday. Boasting a record of 8-4 with two rounds to go, the Bulldogs have already secured their finals berth but currently sit in third place and likely to go up against fourth-placed Busselton in the elimination final set for September. However, wins against Augusta Margaret River this weekend and South Bunbury next weekend will be crucial to help Bunbury try and bump Harvey Brunswick Leschenault from second place and secure a spot in the qualifying final against minor premiers Eaton. It comes after the Bulldogs held off a determined Donnybrook Blackwood outfit 52-49 at Donnybrook Recreation Centre last weekend. While accurate shots on goal via Cassady Osiejak and Chloe Rogers helped Bunbury hold a three-goal advantage at quarter-time, the Ravens fought back during the second term to level the scores at 30 apiece by half-time. The even contest continued into the third term with the Ravens leading by a single goal at the final change but Bunbury rallied with strong defence by Hailey Burrows and Charmain Slater, and quick driving by Courtney Babich and Kacey Walsh to outscore the Ravens 12-8 in the final quarter and win by three goals. As Augusta Margaret River gear up for their final match of the regular season following a bye last weekend, Saturday’s match will be an opportunity for the Hawks to end their season on a high. While the Hawks have only one win over South Bunbury to their name in their return to the league competition, the squad have shown plenty of promise for seasons to come in several close matches. Also on Saturday, Eaton will be looking to cap off an outstanding season when they go up against Carey Park, who notched a forfeit win over Busselton last weekend, at the South West Sports Centre. On Sunday, South Bunbury and Donnybrook Blackwood will go head to head at the South West Sports Centre. Despite both sides falling just short of securing a spot in the finals, the Tigers and the Ravens will be out for victory and a fifth-place finish.