SWFL 2023: Masterstroke from Matt Jamieson to send Jack McMahon forward pays off in grand final rematch

Augusta-Margaret River coach Matt Jamieson may not be a magician by trade, but he is still capable of creating magic from the boundary line. Pitted against South Bunbury in Saturday’s mouth-watering grand final rematch at Hands Oval, Jamieson swung renowned defender Jack McMahon (three goals) up forward on to Tigers defender Tom Gorter. With “Macca” relishing his time up forward, the Hawks capitalised on their early dominance to record a gritty 10.13 (73) to 9.8 (62) win. Those who did attend were rewarded in spades, with both sides playing an entertaining brand of football. After skipping away to a 21-point lead in the shadows of time-on in the opening term, the Hawks were gradually reined in by South, who were able to get first use at most stoppages through big man Jeremy Goddard. With Leigh Kohlmann’s return to Tigerland also resulting in a five-goal haul, the home side fancied their chances of surging home late. However, the reigning premier Hawks always registered a right of reply when needed and their slick clock management — led by Stevie Payne and Lincoln Adams — in the dying minutes put the exclamation mark on a famous win under Jamieson’s guidance. Although the top-billing contest had received plenty of build up prior to the clash, the crowd was sparse — with no operational canteen on the day a potential factor in people staying away.