Tigers take it late on

South Bunbury’s reputation as the “2021 Cardiac Kids” continued after they pipped Carey Park 11.8 (74) to 11.7 (73) in Saturday night’s thrilling SWFL clash at Kelly Park. It’s been a brutal month for Stephen Bilcich’s heart and fingernails, with two of the last three matches decided by a point and the other drawn. But after a stirring address at three-quarter-time which would have taken paint off a wall had it been indoors, the Tigers rallied late and managed to hold their nerve in the dying seconds. “It was actually a good game,” Bilcich said as he gathered his thoughts outside the rooms. “I think a lot of people would have come here and been entertained.” One of several Tigers who stood up throughout the game was Josh Padlie, although the Tigers boss was reluctant to single any of his players out. “Josh has had a really good year,” he said. “To win games like that, you need input from everyone. I have no issues with any of our players, so it is all good.” Earlier in the evening, it appeared as though South had the Panthers’ measure, with their dominance in the corridor nothing short of remarkable, given the fact Ethan Maguire and Rory O’Brien were giving all they had for the home side. However no side coached by Brett Maguire is ever out of business, and sure enough, the home side overturned a 26-point half-time deficit — eventually getting their noses in front by the 13-minute mark of the final term, following a goal to Jordan Yarran. Both sides threw everything at each other in the final 14 minutes of the game, with the visitors opening up a seven-point buffer deep into time-on, following a classy mark and goal from Jordan Strahan. The Panthers refused to surrender and mounted one last tilt at goal, with Riese Wilkey snapping a beautiful goal over his shoulder, before time ultimately denied them a come-from-behind win.