SWFL Fixture release: Every club’s requests to the South West Football League revealed

More night games, Saturday football, and women’s games played last were among a host of requests put forward by clubs to the South West Football League ahead of the confirmation of next season’s fixture. The South Western Times has obtained the full list of requests from clubs in their bid to shape the draw for the season. A total of 38 requests were lodged, with Donnybrook and league newcomers Dunsborough the only two clubs to advise the league they had no demands. Only five of the requests were not granted by the league’s match committee. The full 22-round fixture was revealed on Thursday, headlined by a bumper opening round featuring the league’s 10 traditional clubs and a grand final rematch under new lights at Gloucester Park. Reigning premiers Augusta-Margaret River requested as many Saturday games as possible, including their southern derby with Busselton — which will be the feature match of the opening round — but they won’t get a match on Easter Saturday, with the weekend to be a league-wide bye. Bunbury preferred Sunday football where possible, except for in the school holidays, and called for the Bunbury derby to return to the Monday public holiday in June. It will be the first time the game has been played on a Monday since 2018 and will also be a grand final rematch for the women’s competition. Busselton will play 12 games on a Saturday and just eight on a Sunday after putting the day forward as their preference, but their request for women’s games at Bovell Park to be played last wasn’t granted in full — it will happen three times throughout the year on a trial basis. Carey Park made five requests to the match committee and will play nine twilight games throughout the year, including all six of their home games. The Panthers asked for their women’s games to be played first but will be given the same trial basis as the Magpies, with three games to be played before the colts throughout the season. Collie asked to play their first game of the season at home and also wanted Saturday fixtures during school holidays, while Eaton asked not to be involved in any twilight games, which stunted their request to play nine games on a Saturday. Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault will play more Saturday games than any club as per their request, and their women’s side will kick off the Harvey derby clashes at Brunswick Oval. The Harvey Recreation Ground will be unavailable three times throughout the season, which has been factored into the schedule. The Bulls made seven requests to the league — more than any other club. Both of South Bunbury’s wishes were granted, with the Tigers to play no twilight games in the depths of winter and 12 fixtures on a Saturday. The league’s Indigenous recognition game, traditionally played between Collie and Carey Park, will also be expanded into a whole round. It will mostly take place in round nine, but clubs will also be permitted to wear their Indigenous jumpers in round eight, in line with the AFL’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round. Dunsborough’s first match day in the competition will see powerhouse club Bunbury travel south to play them across three grades in round two. The season begins with three games: Eaton hosting Harvey, the grand final rematch, and a clash between South Bunbury and HBL under lights at Hands Oval.