SWNFL 2022: Busselton Magpies exact revenge over 2021 GF loss to claim 2022 League premiership over Eaton

A mission to avenge a disappointing 2021 SWNFL League grand final loss has proved successful for the Busselton Magpies, who held off rivals the Eaton Boomers to win the 2022 SWNFL League premiership.

In a sense of deja vu, the Busselton Magpies and the Eaton Boomers went head to head in the 2022 SWNFL League Grand Final at the Eaton Recreation Centre on Saturday.

The Magpies were off to a flyer with strong driving and the combination of Maia Bratton and Lisa Millman giving Busselton an early lead while Eaton were forced to play catch-up.

However, strong defence by Kasey Joy and Michelle Wood, along with quick driving by Courtney Collard and Kristy Fitzgerald helped the Boomers fight back late to trail by just two goals at quarter time.

Looking to build momentum, Eaton managed a fast start in the second quarter but found themselves up against the strong defences of Janelle Pagan and Ashleigh Farmer.

As Busselton began pulling away, Eaton stepped up the pressure but errors soon began costing them.

At half time, Busselton had pushed their lead out to eight goals.

The third quarter saw the contest pick up intensity with Busselton getting physical with Eaton as they continued their hard defensive approach.

Although the Boomers tried to match Busselton’s physicality, the Magpies held strong to lead 52-38 at the final change.

The Boomers made one last attempt at a comeback early in the final quarter, with shots on goal by Jess Knight enabling them to come close.

However, their efforts, including a flurry of late goals, proved futile as Busselton continued to pull away to seal the win 68-52.

Following the match, captain Mia Pethybridge congratulated Eaton for “such a great season” and expressed joy for her team’s success.

Busselton’s Lisa Millman took home the Myfawny Evans medal for her outstanding performance in goal attack for the Magpies, and congratulated her teammates on the win.

“We’ve got some young blood coming in there and being an old girl of the team I also want to thank Maia and Janelle for coming back to play this year,” she said.

“It’s exciting and it’s always fun to play with all the girls.”

In the Reserves competition, South Bunbury prevailed over a fierce Donnybrook outfit 33-27 to claim the Reserves premiership for the first time.

South Bunbury’s Nyrobi Zuiderwyk was named the Grand Final MVP for a sensational display in defence for the Tigers.

The Carey Park Panthers have continued to rule over the competition in the Masters division, defeating the Eaton Boomers 39-31 to claim the premiership for the fourth consecutive season.

Panthers Nicole Jones and Chelsea Roberts were named the joint MVPs for the Masters Grand Final.

The Blackwood Ravens dynasty continued for another season in the 18 & Under competition, with the Ravens pulling off a convincing 80-30 win over Busselton to claim the premiership for a sixth consecutive season.

Blackwood’s Abbey Hall was named the best on court for the Grand Final.

In the 16 & Under competition, Busselton defeated Eaton 54-39 to claim the premiership, with Magpies Ellie Forbes and Olivia Crothers both named Grand Final MVPs.