SWFL 2023: Action assured as round one action of SWFL begins on Saturday

While he would love nothing better than his side claiming early silverware on Sunday against Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault at home, Harvey Bulls coach Mark Pink is looking at the big picture.

“We have to be wary in terms of not putting all of our eggs in one basket,” he said.

“If we say that winning this game (and the Harvey Fresh Cup) will set up the season? I think that’s fraught with danger. Yes, we want to win and will be going out to do so.

“But for us, it is not to be-all and end-all. We went pretty deep into last year and had a lot of blokes who were sore and tired.”

The Bulls have been boosted by the signing of former Carlton defender Paul Bower, who is already turning heads at the Harvey Recreation Ground — along with another recruit, livewire forward Sam Lewis, who joined from reigning premiers Augusta-Margaret River over the off-season.

“The local supporters are already warming to Sammy with his pace down the wing,” Pink said.

“I am excited about all of our recruits as they are quality blokes.”

Elsewhere on Sunday, Chris Kinninmont will begin his senior SWFL coaching career at the helm of Eaton, who will lock horns with Donnybrook at VC Mitchell Park for the Peter Butcher Cup.

Kinninmont has left no stone unturned in creating a team of players who want to play at the Boomers.

“The boys have had a pretty full-on summer,” he said.

“We started three weeks prior to Christmas. Obviously we have lost a couple of players since then for various reasons — however, as I said to the playing group, the guys that want to be there are here and the ones that do not want to be there? Well, we move on.

“We will have a couple guys missing in round one, but they will be back next week against Busselton. I am certainly looking forward to it as it is something I’ve wanted to sink my teeth into for a few years now.”

On Saturday afternoon, Bunbury will be out to kickstart their season in style, when they face Carey Park at Kelly Park.

According to Bulldogs coach Jamie Nani, diehard supporters could be in for a real treat.

“We may have five in the mix to make their league debut for the club,” he said.

It is also a day of ‘firsts’ for the Panthers, with Frank Italiano taking the outright reins as league coach for the first time.