SWFL 2023: Leigh ‘Catcher’ Kohlmann nears season century following incredible effort in Bunbury derby

Inspirational efforts from Leigh Kohlmann and Adam Hunter inspired South Bunbury to a memorable Syd Jackson/Max McGuire Cup win over Bunbury on Sunday at a jam-packed Payne Park. Kohlmann kicked nine goals in South’s 15.7 (97) to 9.9 (63) win over the Bulldogs, in a high-octane contest which felt like a final. Throughout the match, 42-year-old Hunter, a West Coast Eagles premiership club legend, wound back the clock to play some of his best football of the season. Aside from booting three goals, his team-focused approach to provide blocks and handballs and keeping a cool head was a real asset to his team — despite copping targeted abuse from over the fence all afternoon. South bolted out to a 39-point lead early in the third term, on the back of restricting Bunbury’s potent forward line to two goals. However the Bulldogs, inspired by 100-gamer Dylan Heasman, rattled on three goals in a furious five-minute spell, which got them within striking distance heading into the final term. Unfortunately for the home side, they had no answer for Kohlmann, who showcased the full range of his talents in the final quarter at the Herbert Road end and took his season goal tally to 96. When he wasn’t selling candy and running into goal after taking a mark, the South Bunbury superboot was powering through tackles and still able to kick truly. Several goals kicked at Payne Park by both sides were courtesy of free kicks, something the Tigers and Bulldogs will be keen to clean up ahead of the finals. At the Collie Recreation Ground, Donnybrook suffered a major fright against Collie Eagles, getting a late 8.18 (66) to 9.5 (59) victory — while at Gloucester Park, Augusta-Margaret River shrugged off early injuries to claim Capes derby honours over the Dunsborough Sharks, 11.11 (77) to 4.10 (34). On Saturday at the Harvey Recreation Ground, the Harvey Bulls donned retro guernseys in a nod to the former Harvey Towns Football Club against Carey Park. Unfortunately for the Bulls, who again needed multiple players to double up from minor grades, they were no match for the Panthers, losing 21.12 (138) to 7.6 (48). In the remaining game of the round, Liam Creighton booted nine for league leaders Busselton, who thumped Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault, 18.11 (119) to 6.1 (37) at Sir Stewart Bovell Park.