SWFLW 2023: Pies open title defence at home against Eaton

On the back of Sunday’s 47-point loss to Donnybrook at VC Mitchell Park, the last thing Eaton needs is a trip to Sir Stewart Bovell Park on Saturday.

Travelling there is hard enough, given how well Busselton play on their home turf. But throw in the fact Rennie Meadmore’s side is opening their title defence?

Well, that alone makes the task considerably harder.

Eaton are likely to improve further under new coach Kristy Jetta, who is an effective communicator with excellent core values.

However, considering there are so many new players in the side, it appears gelling together to play cohesive football and running out games could take a few more weeks.

Jessica Ruland led by example in the defeat, even though she spent the majority of the game doing her best to subdue Donnybrook pressure.

Also on Peel Thunder’s books at WAFLW level, Ruland is a week-to-week proposition, as she can be called up at any time. This means Jetta and her coaches may not know until later in the week whether their star is available.

Jetta said while having a brand new team presents plenty of challenges, the squad is “gelling really well” on and off the field week in and week out.

“I’m very happy with our progress so far and looking forward to the season and becoming a strong force as one,” she said.

“I’ve set some goals for my ladies to achieve on the weekend and apply into the game.

“If we can accomplish the goals and work as one team I will be happy no matter the outcome.

“Busselton are the premiers and a standard also that we hope to achieve in the coming seasons.”

Busselton may not have some of their WAFLW players — including Beth Beckett and Demi Liddle — available on Saturday, however because they have had minimal player turnover over the off-season, there will be a high degree of familiarity in their team.

Bouncedown is at 3.40pm.