Slick Tigers have Bulls’ measure

South Bunbury began life under Maxwell Jetta with a swashbuckling 2.5 (17) to 0.1 (1) victory over Harvey Bulls in Saturday’s Brooke Fiore Hair and Tanning pre-season grand final at Hands Oval.

The Tigers, who were ferocious across all areas of the ground, controlled proceedings against the spirited Bulls from the outset, with the visitors lacking a cutting edge across the half-forward line.

The home side began brightly and dominated stoppages around the ground, with Kate Fielding and Kiarni Stevens’ height causing plenty of headaches for the visitors early in the match.

Trailing by 10 points heading into the second half, the Bulls threw everything at their rivals, with Rebecca Fry and Harmony Staszewski-Hose working overtime.

However the electric forward potency enjoyed by the Bulls earlier in the day failed to eventuate in the decider, with Tigers defenders Bethany Bond and Jazz Bailey pillars of strength in the back line.

The Tigers clicked into celebratory mode with five minutes left in the match when Tanisha Anderson – who was awarded best-on-ground honours – defiantly ran into goal from 25m and kicked truly.

Despite the grand final loss, there was plenty to like about the Bulls, who began the carnival like a whirlwind.

Pitted against fellow 2018 grand finalists Bunbury in their opening pool fixture, the Bulls gave the Bulldogs a football lesson, powering to a 5.0 (30) to 0.3 (3) win, while mastering a cohesive run-and carry-style throughout the corridor.

All eyes will be on round one at Harvey on Saturday, to see whether the Bulls’ form over the Bulldogs will continue into the regular season.

Collie Eagles and Eaton Boomers also showed plenty of promise during their clash to open the carnival at Payne Park, with Eagles duo Tahlia Dawson-Gibbs and Brooklyn Nelson starring.