SWFL 2022: South Bunbury’s Jace Cormack excited for next season despite ‘devastating’ grand final loss

In the midst of a heartbreaking SWFL grand final loss, South Bunbury had a silver lining in Jace Cormack, who is already looking forward to a bright future with the club. Cormack was named the SWFL’s Pike medallist after putting on an impressive midfield display for the South Bunbury Tigers during Sunday’s League grand final. He becomes the first player since Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault’s Mick Sherry in 2006 to win the best on ground grand final award despite playing for the losing team. Although South Bunbury fell agonisingly short of winning the flag by just four points, Cormack said he felt honoured to have been recognised. “I was so devastated that we didn’t get the flag but at the same time I was still honoured to be able to win the Pike medal on such a big day,” he said. Winning the Pike medal capped off a strong first season in the Tigers’ den for Cormack, who only missed one game for the entire 2022 season and put in consistent performances on the field in the midst of plenty of action off the field concerning the club. Looking back on the season, Cormack said the South Bunbury Football Club had been nothing but supportive and professional from his perspective. “Anyone who is a part of the club knows what we are about,” he said. “For me, the first season has been enjoyable. “I’ve made heaps of new mates and I can’t wait to see what next year’s successes look like.” As the SWFL goes into its off-season, Cormack said he would “definitely” be sticking around with South Bunbury and is excited to see what 2023 brings. “There’s no reason for me to leave,” he said. “For me it will be just keeping fit and getting the body ready for another year. “For the club, I’m sure lots of forward planning will be happening and I’m excited to see what next year brings.”