How will clubs go?

With the first bouncedown of the 2021 South West Football League season just two days away, journalists Justin Fris and Jackson Barrett have made their predictions on how the men’s and women’s leagues will play out. Justin Fris — SWFL predictions 1. Bunbury 2. Harv-Bruns-Lesch 3. Eaton Boomers 4. Busselton 5. Aug-Marg River 6. Collie Eagles 7. South Bunbury 8. Carey Park 9. Donnybrook 10. Harvey Bulls Premiers: Harv-Bruns-Lesch. Wooden spoon: Harvey Bulls. Hayward Medal: Denholm King (Bunbury) Leading goalkicker: Jarrod Humphries (Harv-Bruns-Lesch) Headline I’d like to see: “Jamo” signs off with a flag. Headline most likely to see: Coach keen to fly under radar. After the grand final, we will talk about: How 2021 was the most competitive season witnessed in recent memory. I expect the Bulldogs and Lions to set the pace, while the Boomers will also prove difficult to beat. While I expect Jesse Gribble (Bulldogs), Brendan Tingey (Lions) and Jace Cormack (Dons) to dominate as always, look for players such as Denholm King (Bulldogs), Jamahl Mulholland (Panthers) and Rocco Versace (Tigers) to match them on a regular basis. 2021 SWFL women’s predictions: 1. South Bunbury 2. Bunbury 3. Busselton 4. Harvey Bulls 5. Donnybrook 6. Harv-Bruns-Lesch 7. Eaton Boomers 8. Carey Park Premiers: Bunbury. Wooden spoon: Carey Park. Marino Medal: Rachel Shepherd (Harvey Bulls) Leading goalkicker: Bethany Bond (South Bunbury) Headline I’d like to see: Bulls break through for maiden premiership. Headline most likely to see: Derby grand final goes to extra time. After the grand final, we will talk about: The need to implement a player points system for the women’s competition. The Tigers and Bulldogs should meet on the final day of the season — while I expect the Bulls, Magpies and Dons to fight it out for the remaining two spots. It will be interesting to see how many WAFLW players filter back to their SWFL clubs during the final rounds of the home-and-away season. Jackson Barrett: SWFL ladder predictions: 1. Harv-Bruns-Lesch 2. Bunbury 3. Collie Eagles 4. Busselton 5. Eaton Boomers 6. Carey Park 7. Aug-Marg River 8. South Bunbury 9. Donnybrook 10. Harvey Bulls Premiers: Harv-Bruns-Lesch. Wooden spoon: Harvey Bulls. Hayward Medal: Mitch Tenardi (Busselton) Leading goalkicker: Jarrod Humphries (Harv-Bruns-Lesch) Headline I’d like to see: Stratton helps Hawks into the five. Headline most likely to see: Hard times continue in Harvey. After the grand final, we will talk about: Baggetta and Nani — the two best coaches of their era. I can see that HBL midfield servicing Humphries very nicely and for that reason, they are my flag favourites, but there are plenty of sides that can win it and spots between third and fifth will be very hotly contested. 2021 SWFL women’s predictions: 1. Bunbury 2. South Bunbury 3. Harvey Bulls 4. Donnybrook 5. Busselton 6. Harv-Bruns-Lesch 7. Eaton Boomers 8. Carey Park Premiers: South Bunbury. Wooden spoon: Carey Park. Marino Medal: Kloe Bassett (Bunbury) Leading goalkicker: Bethany Bond (South Bunbury) Headline I’d like to see: Busselton win maiden flag in second attempt. Headline most likely to see: Three-peat for Tigers. After the grand final, we will talk about: Souths’ durability and finals experience see them fly through an epic finals series. There are obviously two dominant sides and dominant players within them, but there is so much talent throughout this league, I can’t wait to see who the next real challenger is.