SWFL 2023: A smile of satisfaction for Chris ‘Kinners’ Kinninmont as Eaton sail home against HBL

During half-time of Saturday’s SWFL clash between Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault and Eaton at Brunswick Oval, things were looking grim for the visitors. Aside from only kicking two goals in the first half, Eaton players routinely overused the ball in traffic which resulted in careless turnovers. Eaton coach Chris Kinninmont knew his men could go up another few gears so during his address at the long break he asked for every person wearing red and blue to look inward. What have I done so far? What am I capable of? How can my performance improve and help the team turn things around? These were among the questions bandied around the room. With belief spurring them on the visitors charged out onto the ground in the third term with renewed vigour and went on to record a well-deserved 8.13 (61) to 8.11 (59) win over a devastated Lions side. There was no shortage of emotion or inspiration for the Lions pre-game, with club legend Jono Fenwick celebrating his 100th league game and linchpin defender Ben Ablett playing his final game before relocating to Melbourne. From the opening bounce, Ablett played like a man possessed off the half-back line — farming the ball out everywhere and hitting targets with ease. This enthusiam was infectious, with the home side peppering their forward line early. As was the case during the women’s clash a howling wind prevailed on the outer side wing, which resulted in several difficulties for the players. Leading by 20 points at half-time, it appeared the Lions would go on with the job. Instead, they were subjected to another forgettable fade-out, which spoiled the afternoons of two loyal club stalwarts.