SWFL 2022: How the live league ladder played out on the final day of the season

Reigning premiers Augusta-Margaret River recorded consecutive minor premierships on Sunday, after they defeated Bunbury 17.10 (112) to 9.9 (63) at Payne Park. Justin Fris takes a look at how the live ladder unfolded throughout the contest. 2.10pm: 1st - South Bunbury (60 points, 163.76 per cent), 2nd - Aug-Marg River (56 points, 163.63 per cent) On the back of an impressive victory in the reserves which assured minor premiership status, the Hawks league side charged to the ground with plenty of confidence. A noticeable inclusion was key forward Tim Noakes, who was making his first appearance for the Hawks since July 31 against the Collie Eagles. 2.36pm: 1st - Aug-Marg River (60 points, 164.78 per cent) 2nd - South Bunbury (60 points, 163.76 per cent) Accurate goal-kicking ensured the Hawks raced out 6.0 (36) to 2.4 (16) leaders over Bunbury at quarter-time, which gave their percentage a handy boost. Noakes booted four goals in the opening term, while Simon Moore and Kael Coleman were prominent in the corridor. 3.07pm: 1st - South Bunbury (60 points, 163.76 per cent), 2nd - Aug-Marg River (60 points, 162.98 per cent) The Bulldogs made some inroads on the scoreboard during the second term, although the visitors still held a handy 9.1 (55) to 5.7 (37) advantage at the major break. With the margin and points differential factors beginning to tighten up, the Tigers once again assumed top spot. 3.49pm: 1st - South Bunbury (60 points, 163.76 per cent), 2nd - Aug-Marg River (60 points, 161.98 per cent) A goal to Bunbury’s Patrick Farrant at the 12-minute mark of the third term trimmed the margin to 11 points — and any hopes of a Hawks minor premiership appeared to be slipping away. However, goals to Noakes and Mitch Gerrans put the Hawks on top by 19 points at three-quarter-time, and the minor premiership was still on the table if they were good enough. 4.30pm: 1st - Aug-Marg River (60 points, 164.62 per cent), 2nd - South Bunbury (60 points, 163.76 per cent), Urged on by coach Matt Jamieson and a large contingent of travelling supporters, the reigning premiers turned it on during the final quarter, by piling on five of the last six goals in the game. In dramatic scenes, the Hawks managed to kick a behind deep in time-on, which ensured they regained top spot. A goal on the final siren by Moore gave them an added buffer and resulted in a massive outpouring of jubilation in the middle of Payne Park after the game.