SWFL 2022: Bunbury Bulldogs’ undefeated streak falls to reigning premiers Augusta-Margaret River Hawks

Bunbury’s undefeated reign over the South West Football League has come to an end at the hands of a commanding Augusta-Margaret River outfit by 77 points. The Bulldogs travelled down the highway to Gloucester Park to face off against the Hawks during the 11th round of the 2022 SWFL season on Sunday. From the outset, the Hawks were quick to drive the ball forward with Harry Taylor booting his first major for the afternoon, leaving Bunbury scrambling to respond. Although Bunbury managed to drive the ball from one end of the ground to the other following a Hawks minor score, they struggled to convert amid strong pressure from the home side. Mitch Gerrans extended the Hawks’ early lead with a goal when the contest seemingly reached a stalemate in the midst of both teams stepping up in defence as well as a slippery ground following bouts of rain throughout the day. Bunbury’s opportunity to hit the scoreboard went awry with a behind scored while Sam Lewis booted a major to extend the Hawks’ lead to three goals at quarter time. The second quarter saw a fast start for the Bulldogs as they tried to redeem a less-than-favourable first-quarter effort but managed only a second behind while Lewis booted a running goal for the Hawks. Strong midfield efforts from the likes of Simon Moore, Zac Dronow and former East Perth Royal Steven Payne saw the Hawks take control as they booted a further two successive goals via Gerrans and Taylor. Bunbury’s continued attempts at hitting the scoreboard finally paid off with Tobi Horton breaking through for a goal following a flurry of behinds. However, the Hawks were quick to respond with a further goal from Jordan Veitch to continue dominating around the contest. As both teams continued to put the pressure on each other, the Hawks held strong to lead 7.6 (48) to 1.4 (10) at half time. Following the main break, the Hawks continued controlling the contest with both Gerrans and Taylor booting their third respective goals for the afternoon in quick succession. As Bunbury fought hard in a bid to respond, they finally managed a second goal for the day via Jesse Gribble. However, their continued efforts to try to catch up to the Hawks hit a snag with Gribble coming off with a hamstring injury, spending the rest of the day on the sidelines icing his leg. Rough conduct by Jethro Barraclough also did not help the Bulldogs after conceding a 50m penalty that allowed Gerrans to boot his fourth goal not long after Ben Taylor joined the goalkicking conversation. Despite solid efforts by the likes of Dylan Heasman, Horton and Patrick Farrant, Bunbury continued struggling to convert in front of goal. A late goal by Dronow saw the Hawks lead by 62 points at the final change. The final quarter saw another 50m penalty conceded by Bunbury early as the Hawks continued dominating the field with goals from David Hill and a fourth goal from Harry Taylor. Despite Bunbury’s best efforts in trying to respond, they were ultimately kept scoreless for the term as the Hawks walked away 14.11 (95) to 2.6 (18) victors.