SWFL 2023: South Bunbury’s bid for top-two finish leads them to undefeated league leaders Busselton

South Bunbury’s pursuit of outright second spot on the ladder hit a snag on Sunday after they were beaten by 25 points by in-form Carey Park away from home. The loss means the third-placed Tigers are now one of three teams on locked on 44 points, with the margin for error reduced even further for the remainder of the season. On Saturday at Hands Oval, Souths host undefeated Busselton, who have established a four-game buffer on top of the table. Minus Mitchell Tenardi and Zac Pethybridge on Sunday against Bunbury, the Magpies’ ability to pile on goals during purple patches proved to be the difference in their 15.15 (105) to 14.6 (90) triumph. Although happy with the result, Busselton coach Daniel Delaney was less than amused with his side’s discipline at times, with several Bunbury goals registered courtesy of ill-discipline free kicks. This is something the Tigers could take into account during their pre-game preparation, along with enhancing Jeremy Goddard’s presence against Busselton’s big men around the ground. Elsewhere on Saturday, Augusta-Margaret River travel to Brunswick Oval and square off against Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault at 12.30pm. Despite being based a long way from each other, both clubs have formed a friendship agreement over several years, where the opposing club stays well beyond the final siren to support the home club’s food and refreshment facilities. On Sunday, the Harvey Bulls face another virtual elimination final at Harvey Recreation Ground, this time against Donnybrook, while Dunsborough Sharks host Carey Park and Bunbury lock horns with Eaton at Payne Park.