SWFL 2023: Busselton set for selection shake-up with five players unavailable due to Optus Stadium match

Hands Oval is slated to set the stage for what could be an intense clash between familiar faces this weekend but one team could be in for a selection shake-up. After their initial first encounter did not go ahead because South Bunbury had an insufficient number of players to take the field, the Tigers will be looking to step up to Busselton’s challenge during round 17 of competition on Saturday. The meeting will mark the first time several former Tigers go up against their old side since departing the club at the midway point of the 2022 season. While South Bunbury have been building form in recent weeks with wins against Dunsborough and Carey Park thanks to the likes of Paris Marshall, Adi Griffith, Javier Cornelius, Megan Bain and Zoe Huggett providing reinforcements alongside the existing squad and several junior players, the Tigers will likely face an uphill battle against the Magpies. After having their longstanding undefeated streak broken by Bunbury last weekend, Busselton will be raring to bounce back in a big way and help several of their own get one up on their old club. While Busselton have plenty of talent in their stocks, the Magpies will be without player-coach Rennie Meadmore, Katie-Jayne Grieve, Maddy Obal, Emma Borinelli and Mia Dronow due to being selected to represent the New Holland Women’s Country side in a match against the Women’s State U18 side at Optus Stadium on Sunday. Also affected by Sunday’s match in Perth are Donnybrook and Harvey, who will be without respective club leaders Jess Verbrugge, Taneika Handley and Rachel Wright. The Bulls will be returning from a bye looking to continue their dominant form when they host Donnybrook at Harvey Oval on Sunday, while the Dons will be looking at building a late winning streak in their run home towards finals after defeating Harvey Brunswick Leschenault by 65 points last weekend. Last time they met, the Bulls dominated the Dons 7.6 (48) to 1.2 (8) at VC Mitchell Park. Bunbury will be looking to back up their winning form when they go up against Eaton, who return from a bye, while Dunsborough and Carey Park will battle for redemption after their respective losses during round 15 when they go head-to-head at Dunsborough Playing Fields.