Moment of truth looms for Bulldogs against Harvey Bulls

Bunbury will face a real moment of truth against the Harvey Bulls on Sunday at the Harvey Recreation Ground. After Sunday’s heartbreaking one-point loss to Busselton away from home, the Bulldogs have slipped into dangerous territory, potentially missing the finals for the first time in the competition’s history. With Donnybrook favoured to beat Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault on Saturday at VC Mitchell Park and both sides meeting on the final day of the season at Payne Park next weekend, Bulldogs coach Glenn Obal knows his side cannot afford to slip up against the Bulls. But the Bulldogs will have their work cut out for them, as the Bulls are always a tough proposition at home. Against the Lions on Saturday, the Bulls were a little sluggish early, before eventually wearing down their rivals from midway during the second term. Reliable contributors Rachel Shepherd and Jonelle Blackford (three goals) inflicted the majority of the damage, while Megan Minton was also critical across half-forward. Aside from keeping tabs on Shepherd and Blackford, the Bulldogs need to lock down Bulls skipper Doma Fedele, who was relatively quiet last week by her standards — along with Tekanakana “TK” Jack-Tui, who has also joined the club recently from the Eagles. Jack-Tui’s physical presence in the backline is a real asset to her side and purists will no doubt be hoping she may line up on Bulldogs forward (and former Bull) Courtney Bayliss, as both players never leave anything in the tank. Given they have a bye in the last round, anything less than a big win for the Lions against the Dons will mean their season will be over. In the remaining game, winless sides Carey Park and the Eaton Boomers will go head to head at Kelly Park on Saturday afternoon.