Home

Humphries HBL’s hero

Justin FrisSouth Western Times
South Bunbury ace Matt Giacci is swamped in the driving rain at Brunswick Oval.
Camera IconSouth Bunbury ace Matt Giacci is swamped in the driving rain at Brunswick Oval. Credit: Jon Gellweiler/Jon Gellweiler

A superb performance by Lions forward Jarrod Humphries punctuated Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault’s 6.4 (40) to 1.9 (15) win over South Bunbury in torrential rain at Brunswick Oval on Saturday.

Humphries, who kicked four goals, executed every opportunity which came his way, as the Lions were able to overcome a tardy start against the Tigers.

“Early on we probably did not set up well given the conditions,” Lions coach John Baggetta said.

“We were a little too far off contests and stoppages. But once we re-adjusted ourselves, with five minutes left in the first quarter, we started to get it right.

“From there over the remaining three quarters, we controlled the game even though the conditions did not allow clean football, soI thought we were pretty good.”

Baggetta was also thrilled with Humphries’ performance, given the heavy ball was less than ideal for a high-flying forward.

“In those conditions, we needed to handle the ball cleanly where we could,” he said. “A lot of guys can be two or three touches to pick it up, but he (Humphries) just takes the ball cleanly.”

The Lions coach feels his men are ready for Sunday’s titantic struggle against Bunbury at Payne Park.

While disappointed with the final result, Tigers coach Stephen Bilcich felt his side fought the game out.

“It was just one of those days,” Bilcich said. “I could not fault the endeavour of either side really.

“On days like that, you just need a little bit of luck and it can really go either way at any stage. It just did not go our way on Saturday.”

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails