Tigers work hard to beat arch rivals

South Bunbury took another step towards retaining its SWFL women’s premiership crown after humbling arch rivals Bunbury 4.8 (32) to 0.2 (2) at Hands Oval on Saturday. Even without inspirational Tigers leader Ebony Bilcich, who was the team’s runner due to her pending WAFLW commitments with the Peel Thunderbirds, the home side were dominant across all areas of the ground. Although Kate Fielding’s usual effectiveness in the ruck was somewhat blunted by Bulldogs opponent Abby Gellard, the Tigers on-ballers managed to whisk the ball into their forward line with ease. Doing the bulk of the damage early was Tigers mainstay Amber Boyd, who burrowed her way fearlessly into every contest. The Tigers peppered the goals in the first quarter, with inaccuracy hampering their ability to convert their general dominance into scoreboard pressure. This changed once Boyd managed to slot a classy goal, which had Tigers coach Maxwell Jetta up and about along the boundary line. Sensing her side needed a shift, courageous utility Carly Allen routinely floated into the backline to help her besieged teammates. This worked for a short passage of time, due to Allen’s pure ability to win the football and use it effectively — however before long, the red and white tide drowned the Bulldogs’ hopes. Fielding momentarily left the ground in the second term after being flattened in a collision on the members’ wing, however she eventually returned after recovering. During that time, the Bulldogs had several opportunities to claw their way back into the contest, however poor field kicking into attack let them down tremendously. Sensing another goal could well and truly knock the wind out of the Bulldogs’ sails, the Tigers secured possession against the run of play, which was capitalised on by reliable goalsneak Bethany Bond. Things did not get easier for the visitors in the second half, with forward Courtney Bayliss starved of genuine opportunities in front of goal. But if you were a Tigers supporter, there was a lot to like about how Jetta’s side closed the game out. Even with the likes of Bilcich and injured defensive lynchpin Kiarni Stevens unavailable, the sheer depth across every corner of the field is likely to have rival coaches sleepless prior to facing the Tigers.