Tough-as-nails Stevens ready for next challenge

South Bunbury’s Kiarni Stevens will join excellent company on Saturday afternoon when she plays her 50th South West Football League women’s game against the Harvey Bulls in Harvey. Debuting against Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault back in 2017, Stevens forged a path as the most feared full back in the competition. At the end of the 2019 regular season Stevens, pictured, was given a chance to play in attack for the first time against Carey Park, and kicked two goals. Over the past year and a half, Tigers coach Maxwell Jetta has elected to play her on a wing, up forward or on the ball. Regardless of what role she is given, it is body first regardless of the consequences for the tough-as-nails premiership player. Pleased with the achievement, Stevens believes her skill level has improved over the journey. Given the reception she receives from South Bunbury supporters every time she hurls herself at a contest, plenty would agree with her career analysis. Although the Tigers will be keen to get a win for Stevens, the Bulls have been playing very well of late, with the addition of East Fremantle vice-captain Larissa Versaci having given them extra bite in the midfield. Similar to Donnybrook, the Bulls are in a situation where they need to win almost every game down the final stretch of the season in order to ensure a spot in the top-five. Tigers defenders will need to keep tabs on Jonelle Blackford and Rebecca Fry in attack while Versaci, Rachel Shepherd and Rachel Tilbrook could also cause headaches in the corridor. Although South Bunbury are likely to regain the services of Peel Thunder duo Ebony Bilcich and Tanisha Anderson over the next few weeks, they are unlikely to play on Saturday, given the WAFLW grand final will be played on Sunday.