SWFL 2023: Leigh Kohlmann boots 100 goals, Bulls wasteful late in loss, Busselton show no mercy

South Bunbury spearhead Leigh Kohlmann etched himself into club folklore on Saturday afternoon at Hands Oval against Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault. Kohlmann booted his 100th goal of the season at the 22-minute mark of third term, becoming the first Tigers league player in 126 years to achieve the feat. Aside from this memorable achievement, South’s 12.14 (86) to 3.5 (23) victory over the Lions was an uninspiring affair to watch. Despite getting plenty of the ball, the home side routinely overused the football and lacked execution at times when delivering into the forward line. On the flip side, aside from diligently working to cut off Kohlmann’s chances in front of goal, the Lions lacked a cutting edge and never seriously challenged the Tigers’ dominance. Kohlmann booted two goals in the first term at the Mary Street end, helping the home side race away to a 32-point lead by quarter-time. The Lions surrounded the Tigers superboot with more than three players at a time throughout the clash — however even with this extra attention, he was not to be denied. At Sir Stewart Bovell Park, Busselton honoured 200-gamer Jon Meadmore in style, crushing Collie Eagles 25.16 (166) to 3.3 (21). The Eagles didn’t kick a goal until the 10-minute mark of the third term and earlier in the day forfeited their third reserves game in the space of seven rounds. On Sunday at Payne Park, Bunbury hung on to claim a narrow 7.3 (45) to 5.14 (44) win over the Harvey Bulls, who kicked themselves out of ending the 2023 season with a win. Despite the ball essentially living in their forward line during the final term, the Bulls could only muster 1.7 and three shots out of bounds on the full from their overall dominance. Although his side narrowly fell short, dynamic Bulls forward Sam Lewis was in the thick of things everywhere, while Jethro Barraclough worked hard for the Bulldogs. At VC Mitchell Park, Donnybrook overturned a 10-point deficit at three-quarter-time to pip reigning premiers Augusta-Margaret River 9.6 (60) to 9.5 (59), while Dunsborough Sharks took care of Eaton 14.5 (89) to 4.17 (41) at Glen Huon Reserve. Week 1 finals fixtures Saturday, September 9 (Kelly Park) Qualifying final — Carey Park v South Bunbury, 3pm. Sunday, September 10 (VC Mitchell Park) Elimination final — Donnybrook v Bunbury, 3pm.