Reigning premiers humbled by Panthers

Yesterday marked the opening round of the 2019 South West Football League season, with all four matches providing plenty of talking points.

At VC Mitchell Park, Carey Park recorded a relentless 8.8 (56) to 5.5 (35) victory over Donnybrook, with the reigning premiers held to 1.5 across the final three quarters.

Trailing by a goal at the final change, the visitors charged home with four unanswered goals and held the Dons scoreless.

Rory O’Brien and Jeffrey Carter were lively for the Panthers, while Sam Lowrie and Luke Dale battled hard for the hosts.

At Gloucester Park, Augusta-Margaret River ran out 7.15 (57) to 5.6 (36) victors over South Bunbury – with the Hawks leading at all changes.

Things were tighter between Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault and Busselton at Sir Stewart Bovell Park, with the Lions prevailing 10.9 (69) to 8.11 (59) after getting on top during the closing stages.

In the remaining game of the round, Bunbury travelled to Harvey and secured a comfortable 14.13 (97) to 4.4 (28) win over the Bulls.