SWFLW 2023: Reigning women’s premiers Busselton pushed throughout win over Harvey Bulls

Busselton’s vice-like defensive grip on rival clubs came to an end on Saturday morning at the Harvey Recreation Ground. A goal to Harvey Bulls on-baller Trinity Brown — returning from WAFLW outfit South Fremantle — at the three-minute mark of the opening term resulted in the reigning premiers conceding their first points, 243 minutes into the 2023 campaign. Fortunately for the visitors, they still managed to pocket another four premiership points, 3.4 (22) to 1.2 (8) in a tough clash. For the second year in a row, the most anticipated match of the women’s competition was scheduled as the first game of the day. Given the overall quality and defensive excellence of both sides, this contest deserved a much larger crowd than what it was played in front of, with only loyal diehards from both clubs sitting in the outer at 11.20am. Those who were there were treated to a supreme display of controlled physicality and quality skill level. After spotting the Bulls an early lead, Busselton worked their way back into the game, with Havana Milner’s pace in and around the goal mouth a real highlight. Milner booted all of her side’s three goals in the game, however, it was her creativity and willingness to provide opportunities which enhanced her best on ground performance. The Magpies were given their first genuine challenge of the season, with the Bulls refusing to give them an inch anywhere on the ground. In the ruck, Emma Borinelli had an absorbing dual with Laura Cheney, while Jenna Bloom’s superior body positioning on the last line of defence made attacking extremely difficult for the visitors. They might have tasted defeat for the first time this season, however, the Bulls will take plenty of heart from their performance. Aside from holding the reigning premiers scoreless for two quarters, their controlled physicality was executed perfectly and forced Rennie Meadmore’s side to grind their way to victory.