SWFL 2023: Hawks aim to spoil celebrations as Bunbury’s Brad Blake notches 200th game

Throughout their recent impressive run of success, reigning premiers Augusta-Margaret River have experienced a range of highs and lows at Payne Park.

Last season, a flurry of late goals in the final round of the season against Bunbury resulted in the Hawks pipping South Bunbury for top spot on percentage.

Three years earlier, Matt Jamieson’s side needed a win on the final day over the Bulldogs in order to play finals. They did so, rolling to victory by 60 points.

However the Hawks have equally had their colours lowered in the past — something which Jamieson would like to avoid.

“We will obviously just be looking to play four quarters of our brand on the weekend,” Jamieson said.

“We probably drifted away from it a little bit, however I think that comes with personnel changes and injury.

“It has probably hit us harder than most in recent times, so we hope to get a few back. If a few more get up? We will have to wait and see.

“Obviously we are playing on Sunday, there is a little bit more time to assess.”

It will be another massive afternoon at the kennel, with Bunbury champ Brad Blake playing his 200th game. Had it not been for a significant injury last year, Blake would likely have reached this milestone earlier.

Collie’s Matt Blackford, doubling up as this season’s club president, notches game 250 on Sunday against Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault at the Collie Recreation Ground, while the Harvey Bulls host Dunsborough Sharks.

On Saturday afternoon at Glen Huon Reserve, Eaton coach Chris Kinninmont will be hoping for a swift response from his side when they entertain Carey Park.

Kinninmont was not amused with his side’s disappointing 10.12 (72) to 6.9 (45) loss against the Eagles on Sunday and spoke at length with the playing group post-game about ways they could improve from their display.

At VC Mitchell Park, South Bunbury coach Julian Burgess will square off against his old side Donnybrook in a match which will have top-five implications.