SWFL 2023: Carey Park within a game of securing SWFL premiership following tough preliminary final win

On a day where Carey Park’s reversal of fortune landed them a spot in the SWFL grand final against Busselton, it was fitting Panthers onballer Rory O’Brien kicked the sealer. O’Brien arrived at Kelly Park in 2019, when things were not so rosy for the Panthers on the field, given they had not played finals since 2015. Despite being starved of finals football, the classy midfielder ignored other offers and remained at Carey Park, always giving back on and off the field. In Sunday’s preliminary final, O’Brien’s goal at the 24-minute mark of the final time not only secured a 9.6 (60) to 6.12 (48) victory over South Bunbury, but his best-on-ground performance definitely had Busselton officials taking notice of what he could potentially do to them in the league decider at Payne Park. Both sides met a fortnight earlier at the same venue, with South Bunbury easily claiming the qualifying final, 14.5 (89) to 6.6 (42). Aside from the result being different, so to was the atmosphere. Gone was the tension and nerves of the Panthers faithful in the outer— instead, unbridled belief and excitement replaced it. South were out-of-sorts at time during the game and wasteful in front of goal when they needed to stay in touch. Although Leigh Kohlmann was his side’s most effective forward, Panthers defender Cameron Baker — who started his colts career as a forward — won many hearts for his defensive accountability and courage against the Tigers spearhead throughout the game. The calming influence of Jacob Orsi and Jaxon Bell in defence for the Panthers also gave South forwards plenty to ponder as the game slowly but surely slipped away from their grasp. On the final siren, Carey Park coach Frank Italiano warmly embraced his coaches and punched the air, before switching his gaze to the loyal home supporters who filled every nook and cranny of the concourse along the member’s side wing.