SWNFL 2022: Competition heats up across South West Netball Football League’s five grades ahead of finals

With the South West Netball Football League heading into another general bye this weekend, journalist Carly Laden takes a look at the story so far across the league’s five competition grades. League Busselton Magpies have continued to lead the pack on top of the ladder with nine wins and two losses, solidifying their credentials for the finals. Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault Lions are not far behind in second place (7-2-1), followed by Eaton (6-3), South Bunbury (4-6), Bunbury (3-6-1) and Carey Park (0-10). Since the general bye during the Easter long weekend, there have been plenty of action-packed and close matches between teams. While Busselton recorded six wins to maintain top spot on the ladder, their only losses for the season so far were to HBL in round eight and Eaton in round 12. Like Busselton, Eaton have also racked up six wins over the past few months of competition while HBL have managed five wins and a round six draw with Bunbury. South Bunbury have managed four wins as they build momentum towards the finals, including upset victories over Bunbury and HBL in rounds 11 and 12 respectively. Bunbury recorded two wins and a draw with HBL, and a maiden win for the season has evaded Carey Park at this point of the tight competition. Reserves Despite having an undefeated streak broken by Bunbury back in round eight, Donnybrook have been dominating the reserves competition with a 10-1 record. Augusta-Margaret River (9-3-1) and South Bunbury (9-2) are only a win behind the top spot. The top three are then followed by Eaton (7-4), Bunbury (5-6-1), Carey Park (3-7), HBL (3-9), Mercy-Leschenault-Collie (3-8) and Busselton (1-10). In the midst of an intense competition, Donnybrook have recorded seven wins since the Easter long weekend, AMR recorded six wins and a draw with Bunbury, South Bunbury and Eaton both managed six wins each to climb up the ladder. Bunbury racked up two wins and a draw, Carey Park, HBL and MLC all recorded three wins apiece and Busselton pulled off an upset victory over MLC during round eight. Masters Reigning premiers Carey Park are well on track in their quest for their fourth consecutive premiership in the masters competition as they remain undefeated for the season so far. Despite the Panthers’ 9-0 record, Eaton Boomers are hot on their tail in second place with a 8-1 record, followed by South Bunbury (5-5), Harvey Bulls (4-7), Bunbury (3-6) and HBL (0-10). Since the Easter long weekend, the masters competition has been jam-packed with plenty of close contests, blowouts and dynamic matches. In that time, Carey Park have recorded an impressive seven wins, Eaton racked up six wins, Harvey gained momentum with four wins, South Bunbury have managed three wins, Bunbury recorded two wins, and HBL have continued to chase their first win with a number of close matches. 18-and-under As the competition enters its last third of rounds before the finals, Eaton Boomers are leading the pack in the 18-and-under competition with an 8-1 record. Blackwood and South Bunbury are both close behind with 7-3 records — separated only by percentage. The top three are then followed by Bunbury (5-4), Busselton (5-3), MLC (4-6), Carey Park (1-7) and HBL (0-10). Since the Easter long weekend, Eaton have been showing some strong form after recording six wins in the midst of dynamic contests over the past few months. South Bunbury managed five wins, Blackwood, Bunbury and Busselton all recorded four wins each, MLC racked up three wins, Carey Park managed a win over HBL in round nine, while a maiden win has continued to evade the Lions. 16-and-under After missing out on the 2021 SWNFL 16-and-under premiership, Mercy-Leschenault-Collie seem determined to redeem themselves as they lead the way for the 2022 season so far with an undefeated 10-0 record. However, the likes of Eaton and Busselton are bringing the heat to the competition with 8-1 and 8-2 records respectively, followed by Bunbury (5-6), Blackwood (3-5), AMR (2-9), South Bunbury (2-6) and Carey Park (0-9). Since the Easter long weekend, MLC have extended their undefeated streak by seven wins, while Eaton have recorded seven wins and Bunbury managed six wins. Blackwood have managed three wins and a draw with South Bunbury from round nine, South Bunbury racked up two wins and a draw with Blackwood, Augusta-Margaret River managed a win over Carey Park back in round 13, while Carey Park have been trying their hardest for their maiden win of the season. The South West Netball Football League is set to return to action from July 15 for the 15th round of competition.