SWFL 2022: Huge opportunities on the line for Augusta-Margaret River and South Bunbury in reserves grand final

Opportunities to break finals droughts and shake off old cobwebs await Augusta-Margaret River and South Bunbury in what is set to be a huge match-up for SWFL reserves premiership glory at Hands Oval on Sunday. The match-up will also serve as the first match in a double-header for both the Hawks and the Tigers, with their respective league squads set to feature in the league grand final. For minor premiers Augusta-Margaret River, the grand final presents an opportunity to achieve glory for the first time since 2011. The Hawks have had an incredible year in 2022, starting strongly with a seven-game winning streak during the first half of the season. Despite hitting a snag during the halfway point of the season, the Hawks bounced back to finish with a massive nine-game winning streak to claim top spot on the reserves ladder and achieve their first finals berth since making the elimination final in 2013. The Hawks’ strong form continued as the squad went on to hold off a determined Harvey Bulls outfit by four points in the second qualifying final on home turf to go straight through to the grand final. Meanwhile, South Bunbury will be looking to capitalise on their building momentum during the finals series and claim their 15th premiership. Finishing in fourth place on the ladder with a 15-5 record, the Tigers have had a solid season this year and have made their seventh finals berth in 10 years. While South Bunbury did not rack up massive winning streaks throughout the regular season, they dished up plenty of excitement for supporters with several big wins and close matches. While the Tigers have made finals appearances since their last premiership in 2017, they have struggled to get past the semifinal stage until now, after clawing their way past the elimination final against Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault by five points and pulling off huge upset victories over Bunbury and Harvey Bulls in the semifinal and preliminary final respectively. Sunday’s match-up will also be the third time the Hawks and the Tigers meet this year, with both sides managing a win over each other so far.