SWFL 2022: Bulls and Bulldogs eye victory following competition hiatus

Bunbury will be without key playmakers Patrick Farrant and Tyson Wood for Sunday’s massive clash against the Harvey Bulls at Payne Park.

Farrant, who tied with Avon’s Tom Lee for the Jock Coleman Trophy (player of the carnival) at the country championships, was unable to play in the SWFL’s grand final win over Avon on Sunday due to concussion protocols.

In another blow for the Bulldogs, Wood — who has enjoyed a brilliant season in the ruck — limped off the WACA turf with less than five minutes to play in the match due to a hamstring injury.

While disappointed both players may be on the sideline for a while, Bunbury coach Jamie Nani is confident the team’s depth will be able to cover it.

“Obviously some opportunities will arise from misfortune,” Nani said. “We have got a few who did not play against Busselton, who will be back this week, which will strengthen it up again.”

The Bulldogs enter Sunday’s clash on the back of a three-game losing streak and the Bulldogs boss knows only a top quality performance will be enough to secure victory.

“The Bulls have got some quality players,” Nani said. “So, we need to get back and play our brand of football — which has not been there over the last three weeks.

“We will need to be at our best to beat them.”

The Bulls, who are a game out of the top-five, are slowly getting their best players back on the field.

Although cautiously optimistic, Bulls coach Mark Pink feels his side’s best performances are good enough to match it against any contender.

“We are really looking forward to the challenge — although we are coming from a long way back,” he said.

“Bunbury are a really solid football club, with good integrity and culture.

“We will be going in not only confident, but with a belief we can win.”