SWFL 2023: Donnybrook to step up to Busselton challenge after two-week absence

Can anyone put an end to Busselton’s undefeated streak? The potential return of some of the competition’s big names could turn the tide. As the South West Football League women’s season approaches its run home to the finals and the 2023 WAFLW season set to reach its conclusion this weekend, several WAFLW talents have been making their return to the South West to provide reinforcements to their home clubs. Donnybrook, who will be returning from a two-week absence from the competition, could be welcoming the return of several big-name players when they take on Busselton at Sir Stewart Bovell Park on Saturday. Bethany Bond, Leila Fotu and Chelsea Hutchinson are just some of the players that could be providing back-up for the Dons alongside the likes of Jessica Verbrugge, Taneika Handley, Lacey Holdsworth and Holly Gill on Saturday. While the Dons maintain a good position to qualify for the finals from fourth place with a 7-4 record, Busselton will be looking to maintain their reputation as the competition’s most dominant team as they chase win number 13. After keeping Collie Eagles scoreless during last weekend’s Gather Round in Collie, the Magpies will show no mercy to the Dons as they look to continue building on their red-hot form. Their 108-point victory saw stellar efforts from the likes of Emma Borinelli, Maddy Obal, Katie-Jayne Grieve and Rennie Meadmore. The last time that the Magpies and the Dons met was in round four, when Busselton kept Donnybrook scoreless at VC Mitchell Park. Harvey Bulls will also be looking to continue their dominant run when they host Eaton at Harvey Oval on Saturday. The Bulls overcame a slow start to defeat Bunbury for their eighth consecutive win last weekend and will be looking to continue building momentum while Eaton will be chasing a second consecutive win after holding off Dunsborough last weekend. Back in round four, Harvey dominated Eaton 12.16 (88) to 0.1 (1) when they last met at Glen Huon Reserve. Bunbury will be looking to bounce back from fading against Harvey Bulls when they host Collie Eagles at Payne Park on Saturday. While the Bulldogs had a near-perfect start, they struggled to hold off the resurgent Bulls during the second half of their Gather Round match last weekend. As Collie continue chasing their first win of the season, they will likely have a tough challenge ahead of them. The last time they met, Bunbury defeated Collie 4.6 (30) to 0.1 (1). This weekend’s round will conclude at the Dunsborough Playing Fields, where the Sharks will look to show resilience against South Bunbury. Despite solid defensive efforts, both sides were on the receiving ends of losses at Collie Recreation Ground after being stifled by limited scoring opportunities from Eaton and Harvey Brunswick Leschenault respectively. The last time they met, Dunsborough held off South Bunbury in a tight match to score their very first win.