SWFL 2022: Out-of-sorts Bulls women’s team find extra gear when backs against the wall

For three quarters of Saturday’s clash at Kelly Park against emerging challenger Carey Park, the Harvey Bulls women’s team looked off the pace. Goalless and staring down the barrel of a forgettable afternoon away from the Harvey Recreation Ground, the Bulls found an extra gear in the final term and squeaked home 3.8 (26) to 3.3 (21) against the Panthers. Aside from a three-goal purple patch in as many minutes during the final quarter, the Bulls were forced into a war of attrition against Carey Park, who refused to give them an inch at the coalface. The home side had the better of the opening exchanges, with Karinda Farrant putting her side in front inside the opening two minutes. With Panthers duo Chloe Pumphrey and Holly Bilcich applying excellent pressure at every contest they were involved in, the Bulls’ defenders appeared to uncharacteristically panic at times while attempting to clear the danger. Seasoned WAFLW campaigners Krystal Carter and Greta McKinley, who have both flourished for the Bulls since joining from Peel Thunder mid-season, began to win more of the football in the corridor in the second and third terms — however the visitors still lacked a cutting edge when entering their forward 50. Despite the Bulls gradually taking a little bit more control in general play, the Panthers were holding their own and turned for home with an unlikely victory glaring them in the face. However with so many experienced players at their disposal, the visitors sank the brave Panthers with a brutal burst midway during the final quarter. Bulls skipper Rachel Shepherd broke the drought at the four-minute mark, which was quickly followed by brilliant goals to Emma Faulkner and Laura Cheney. In the space of three minutes, the Bulls went from a team who could not buy a goal, to a team who looked like they could not miss. Although their hopes of a win appeared gone, the Panthers remained spirited until the final siren, with Bilcich’s performance in the midfield once again catching the eye.