SWFL 2022: Lions boss believes tide could be turning for his side

Despite a challenging start to the season, Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault sit half a game outside of the top five heading into Saturday’s clash against South Bunbury at Brunswick Oval. And Lions coach Ryan MacIntyre believes last Sunday’s thrilling two-point win over the Eaton Boomers could be the start of something special. Especially if spearhead Jarrod Humphries, who single-handedly destroyed his former club with seven goals, continues to showcase the full range of his talents. “It wasn’t a day which really suited key forwards,” he said. “But Jarrod’s performance? It was right up there for me (in terms of excellence). Reid (Kinninmont) was also brilliant and I feel Brendan Tingey and Josh Underwood over the past month have been equally superb.” Between 10mm and 20mm of rain is forecast to fall throughout the greater Bunbury region on Saturday, with the game brought forward from 3pm to 2.30pm, in order for the match to be finished in natural light. MacIntyre believes the conditions could play a big factor in which side ends up victorious. “On the weekend for us it was almost like a mini-final — we still want to play finals footy. The conditions are not going to be great this weekend, so it probably gives us an opportunity. “We know South Bunbury are a different side, but it probably evens it up a little bit. With a bit of luck, if we play for four quarters, who knows? The Tigers, who had a league bye last weekend due to their minor grades hosting the Dunsborough Sharks at Hands Oval, are likely to come in fit and firing. Although they fell short by two points against Bunbury in the Dale Alcock Homes South West WA Day derby at Payne Park a fortnight ago, there were plenty of positives for Tigers coach Julian Burgess to draw from moving forward. A key in this game appears to be the offensive production of Tigers forward Jordan Strahan, who is likely to have his hands full against a resolute HBL defensive unit.