SWFL women’s powerhouse South Bunbury head into Sunday morning’s highly anticipated derby against Bunbury at Payne Park with plenty to ponder.

Three-time premiership coach Maxwell Jetta made the tough decision to resign from his position earlier in the week due to personal reasons, with the Tigers confirming the announcement on Tuesday afternoon.

Jetta, a beloved figure within the team, will leave a massive hole to fill — although skipper Bethany Bond assured Tigers supporters work was already under way to support the players.

“So far (in terms of coaching) the leadership group will take over,” Bond said.

“Mainly myself, but we have got so many people who have been rallying around us, now moreso than ever — families, partners and players’ dads.

“Myself and the club are working out what we are going to do post-Sunday.”

The match, which has been brought forward by the SWFL from 1.30pm to 9.40am following a request from the Bulldogs, could also be a blessing in disguise for the Tigers, given the weight of emotions they’ve had to endure over the past week.

“It will definitely be different,” Bond said.

“It will be nice to warm up on the ground, as we usually have to wait for a break in the reserves or warm up somewhere else. Hopefully we still get some spectators down there, because it should really be a good game.”

Bunbury have long been a thorn in South’s side throughout the women’s competition, with both clubs always getting the best out of each other on the field.

“Playing Bunbury is always a date you mark in your diary as it is something to look forward to,” Bond said.

“It is a derby, and a game we prepare for weeks in advance — even though Bunbury have had a loss and been a little up and down, they always seem to bring their best against us.”