SWFLW 2023: Women’s grand final between reigning premiers Busselton and Bunbury a fitting end to campaign

After months of eager anticipation, Sunday’s SWFL women’s grand final between Busselton and Bunbury at Kelly Park is within sight. Both sides have performed extremely well throughout the season and richly deserve their spot on the grandest stage of all. Ahead of the big game, Justin Fris hears from both coaches and gets you up to speed with how both teams go about their business on the ground. Busselton Finals campaign so far: Bye, defeated Bunbury 2.3 (15) to 0.3 (3) in the second semifinal, bye. Form: Entering 2023 as reigning premiers, Busselton finished the home and away season on top with a 17-1 record. The Magpies also didn’t have a percentage until round six, due to not having conceded a single point. Their only loss of the season was against Bunbury at home on July 23, however this result was reversed in the second semifinal. Players to watch: East Fremantle-hardened midfielder Beth Beckett and emerging teenager Sabella Banks can both take your breath away with their skill, composure and tackle pressure. Game style: The Magpies are very fit, like to move the ball well and are very accountable in defence. Against Bunbury in the second semifinal, they successfully sent numbers behind the ball and routinely caught the Bulldogs out with successful counter-attack ball transition. Coach’s take (Rennie Meadmore): “We had an enjoyable bye week following the win. It was all about resetting and remaining focused. “We made sure we got our three training sessions in and were able to enjoy the ride. Grand finals don’t come around often, so it’s important to enjoy every moment of it. “Each year, the team will never be the same the following one — so it’s about approaching each season with thought of pursuing an opportunity to achieve success with this particular group.” Bunbury Finals campaign so far: Defeated Harvey Bulls 8.10 (58) to 0.1 (1) in the qualifying final, lost to Busselton 2.3 (15) to 0.3 (3) in the second semifinal, defeated Harvey Bulls 4.10 (34) to 2.2 (14) in the preliminary final. Form: The Bulldogs have been consistent all year, with talented juniors and returning WAFLW players combining to produce a team-oriented brand of football. Bulldogs coach Stephen Bilcich on Sunday will become the first person to have coached league, colts and women’s teams into a SWFL grand final. Players to watch: Take a moment on Sunday to relish watching Indiana West and Daisy Rigby play in a South West grand final, because both teenagers could one day have bright futures in the AFLW if they continue to build on what they’ve already achieved at representative level. Game style: The Bulldogs mirror how their coach Bilcich played during his stellar career with East Fremantle — always looking to help a teammate under pressure and never shirking a contest. Coach’s take (Stephen Bilcich): “I just enjoy trying to educate the girls on what I’ve been taught. And if people take that on board and get better because of it, then I’m happy. “I feel all of the players have the ambition to improve quickly and be the best they can possibly be. I think these are really good traits.”