SWFL 2023: Dunsborough Sharks eye inaugural league win in South West

Is Sunday the day when the Dunsborough Sharks break through for their maiden SWFL victory at home?

Naturally, their opponents, Collie Eagles, will be hoping not — however the Sharks head into their date with the Eagles full of confidence.

For three quarters during Sunday’s 12.8 (80) to 6.5 (41) loss against South Bunbury at Hands Oval, the Sharks played exceptionally well.

Hearts were especially in mouths at half-time among Tigers supporters, when the visitors hit the front and were hard at the football.

Had it not been for a late burst from Souths superboot Leigh Kohlmann in the final quarter, there could have been some nervous people wearing red and white.

Like the Sharks, Collie are winless so far this season. They have shown glimpses of promise in all matches so far, however consistency over four quarters has alluded them.

At Hands Oval, Souths go head to head against early surprise packets Carey Park, who remained unbeaten after stunning Augusta-Margaret River on Saturday at home.

Frank Italiano’s side may be young, however they have no fears about playing a confident brand of football against more experienced opposition.

Italiano said while the Panthers have managed wins against some of competition’s top teams so far, they are still focusing on embedding a new game and getting all of the players on the same page.

“At the moment we’ve been good enough to win our games while learning it so that’s a real positive for us,” he said.

“We consider every team in the competition as a real challenge and opportunity to test ourselves and our game style, I don’t think you can take anyone too lightly and we will really be looking forward to a hard contest this weekend.”

They will need this pep in their step against the Tigers, as you can be sure coach Julian Burgess will have told his men to make a positive statement following Sunday’s performance.

On Saturday at Brunswick Oval, Donnybrook will be keen to get back into the winners’ circle when they square off against Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault, who had the bye last weekend.