SWFL 2023: Five things we learnt from round four

A number of teams and players led by example during another absorbing weekend of SWFL action. Justin Fris shares his five takeaways from the weekend:

1 — Busselton’s pressure and willingness to work for each other is a sight to behold

Magpies league coach Daniel Delaney is on to a winner at Sir Stewart Bovell Park.

His side’s work-rate and pressure is truly brilliant to watch — so do yourself a favour and go watch one of their games!

2 — Umpires need to step up and help eliminate on-field incidents

I witnessed a brutal incident on Sunday during the Bulls-Boomers women’s clash, when Bulls legend Fleur Parker copped an almighty swipe to the head after getting a kick away. Additionally, players from both sides were audibly complaining about their hair being pulled in tackles.

This follows on from the week earlier, when South Bunbury’s Katelyn Towie spent a night in Bunbury Hospital’s emergency department following a major concussion.

Yes, there is an umpire shortage and they need to be supported.

However in my view, the ones overseeing games need to step up and provide a duty of care to the players. If they witness, or are presented with video evidence of unsporting behaviour, action needs to be taken.

3 — Carey Park’s young players are turning heads with their confident brand of football

Reigning premiers Augusta-Margaret River walked into a buzz saw on Saturday at Kelly Park, with the young Panthers making them pay for turning the ball over.

Hopes are high for Frank Italiano’s group, who are keen to end their significant league finals drought this season.

4 — Over-reliance of WAFL/WAFLW players is a double-edged sword

This time last year, Maxwell Jetta was unbeaten in charge of the South Bunbury women’s team.

On Saturday against Busselton, his Donnybrook women’s side were held scoreless and had only 16 players available for the clash.

The absence of WAFLW-listed trio Bethany Bond, Charli Wicksteed and Lauren Vecchio hurt the Dons, with Jessica Verbrugge left to effectively carry the side on her shoulders.

It is expected the Dons will recover and get these players back further down the line, but without them at the moment, they look starkly different from the team which reached the 2022 preliminary final.

5 — The most dominant team across all grades right now still doesn’t have a percentage

Busselton’s women’s team is unbeaten, have scored more points than anyone else and held everyone they’ve faced scoreless.

Due to this, they sit third behind Harvey Bulls (8000 per cent) and Bunbury (970 per cent) with zero percentage points.

Football truly is a funny game.