SWFL 2022: Reigning premiers topple South Bunbury in potential grand final preview

In the aftermath of Augusta-Margaret River’s classy 9.8 (62) to 7.8 (50) win over South Bunbury on Saturday afternoon at Gloucester Park, all the spectators could agree on at least one thing.

They had just witnessed the two best teams in the SWFL right now.

Prior to the clash, Hawks coach Matt Jamieson flagged the importance of a versatile forward line against the Tigers, given the importance of generating scoreboard pressure.

While this did ultimately play an important part in the final outcome, the Hawks’ no-nonsense defensive effort was equally impressive.

Aside from quelling the influence of South spearhead Jordan Strahan, Augusta-Margaret River’s defensive unit — guided by Kyle Anderson, Lincoln Adams and Stevie Payne — did not give the Tigers an inch all day.

But given their overall ability and experience, a side like the Tigers are too good to keep down for long, and sure enough, they periodically hit their straps during the second and third terms.

After trailing by 12 points at quarter time, the Tigers booted three goals in eight minutes while kicking to the Walcliffe Road end, which proved to be the scoring end during all three matches at Gloucester Park on Saturday.

Stirred but not shaken, reliable Hawks forward Harry Taylor snagged a quick reply for the Hawks within a minute of South hitting the front for the first time in the game.

With Tim Sutherland unavailable for the Tigers due to a shoulder injury, coach Julian Burgess rotated a series of players in the ruck against Hawks big man David Hill.

Another man the visitors struggled to keep quiet was the elusive Seve Grantis, who made an instant impact for the home side after being moved to a wing.

With Grantis, Simon Moore and Sam Lewis providing plenty of drive across the half-forward line, the Hawks held a handy 12-point lead.

Then disaster struck for the Tigers at the 17-minute mark of the final term.

After receiving a free kick following a high tackle, South Bunbury’s Blake Piggott tangled with Jake Rodgers on the mark, instead of heading back to move the ball on.

This lapse in concentration resulted in the free kick being reversed against Piggott, who promptly trotted off the ground as Grantis kicked the sealer for the Hawks.